Nurturing Tomorrow's Heroes Today!
Divine Dispatch
Philippians 3:13-14
The Champion's Secret to Always Moving Forward!
Welcome, Faith Force Forward Focusers! Today, we’re learning the amazing secret that champion runners use to win races – forget what’s behind and focus completely on what’s ahead, as shared in Philippians 3:13-14.
Verse Of The Day:
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
Have you ever watched a runner who keeps looking back over their shoulder during a race? They always lose! Paul discovered the champion’s secret to spiritual success.
Paul says “one thing I do” – he focuses on just one strategy that works every time. First: “Forgetting what is behind.” This means not getting stuck thinking about past mistakes, failures, or even past victories. Second: “straining toward what is ahead” – like a runner leaning forward with everything they have, stretching toward the finish line.
The goal is incredible: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” God has an amazing heavenly prize waiting, and the way to win it is to keep pressing forward no matter what! Every day is a fresh start to focus ahead instead of looking back. That’s how spiritual champions are made!
Forward Focus Telescope:
Take a cardboard tube (paper towel or wrapping paper tube) and create your “Forward Focus Telescope”! On one side write “Forget What’s Behind” and on the other side write “Strain Toward What’s Ahead.” Decorate it with forward-pointing arrows and streamers. Each morning, look through your telescope and focus on one goal for the day instead of worrying about yesterday’s mistakes. Practice saying “I press on toward the goal!” while looking ahead through your telescope. This trains you to be a forward-focused champion!
Time For A Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help us learn the champion's secret of forgetting what's behind and straining toward what's ahead! When we want to get stuck thinking about past mistakes or problems, remind us to focus forward on Your amazing plans. Give us strength to press on toward the goal and win the prize of Your heavenly calling. Help us be forward-focused champions! Amen.
Keep pressing on toward your heavenly prize, Faith Force Forward Focusers! Until our next Divine Dispatch, remember to forget what’s behind, strain toward what’s ahead, and press on toward God’s amazing goal!