Willing to Go the Distance

Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14, AMP).

We are doing a study on running the race, as we study Philippians 3:12-14. If you would like to read the first devotional in this series, you can click here, you can find the second one by clicking here, and the third one by clicking here.

You know we could follow the first three essentials to the T and still never really get in the race. We could become dissatisfied with where we are but not really so dissatisfied that we move from there. We could recognize that we need to clarify our devotion but choose to never do it. We could figure out what the right direction is but neglect to take it. This fourth essential really brings it all together. We need determination to run the race!

4th Essential ~ DETERMINATION

“…I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back (Philippians 3:14, MSG).” 

I love the way that the Message reads this verse. “I’m off and running and I’m not turning back.” That’s the attitude we need to take when running this race. We need to choose to run with everything we’ve got. In fact, we really need to exchange some of our thoughts for action thoughts. That is our Victorious Mindset Secret of the week. We need to develop action thoughts and forego thoughts that give us a way out.

We need to trade our…

• I can’t… for  I can…
• I’ll try… for  I will…
• I’ll think about it… for  I’ll pray through it…

I remember back when I was single I was walking the mall with a married friend. She said something that has always stood out in my mind. We were talking about marriage and she said, “Well, if it works it works!” It was an escape thought. She left herself room to wiggle out. She had already placed her mind in a place that if it didn’t work, she could get out of it. And not that much longer after she said those words to me did her marriage unravel.

Listen, we have to be careful with the thoughts we feed on. If we leave ourselves an out, we will find a way to take it. We need to develop action thoughts. Thoughts that own up to our responsibilities. Where have you left yourself an escape route in your thoughts? Is there an “I can’t or I’ll try” thought that needs to change in your mind. This week, take time to evaluate where you are giving yourself a way out with your thoughts. Choose action thoughts!

“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all Your marvelous works and wonderful deeds! I will rejoice in You and be in high spirits; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High (Psalm 9:1-2, AMPC).” 

If you were to write a song of “I will” to the Lord, what would it sound like? What would you say? What “I’ll try” thought would you like to change to “I will”?

Lord, You see where I have left myself room to wiggle out of things and escape. Lord, please convict me where I need to change my thoughts to action thoughts. May I express thoughts of “I can and I will” more often, demonstrating a heart that is sold out to You and willing to go the extra mile. 

Choosing Action Thoughts,