Paul wrote: ‘I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you’ (v.14-15 NIVUK). Paul's description paints a picture of a Christian aiming for a goal or a target. In Paul’s day, a target would have been hit by an arrow.

If you've ever tried hitting a target with an arrow, you’ll know this:

1) Your aim must be unbroken by distractions. When you have the bullseye in your sight, something as insignificant as taking a breath at the wrong moment can make you miss the mark you’re aiming for. So Paul’s saying: ‘Forget what’s behind you and around you and stay focused on winning the prize.’ He isn't referring to your salvation. Jesus already purchased that and gives it to you freely by His grace. Paul’s talking about fulfilling your God-given destiny and getting the reward that waits beyond it.

2) Your arrow has to have the right amount of power behind it. Otherwise, it'll start to drop off before it even reaches the target. In life, your power comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus said: ‘You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth’ (Acts 1:8 NKJV). So today, aim for the target that God’s set out for you!

What Now?

Get a cup and some small balls (or coins, small stones, or scrunched-up paper). Take a few steps back from the cup and try throwing a ball into it – but each time you take a shot, pray about God’s plan for you, and that just as you’re focusing on the target, you’d be equally focused on Him. (Why not challenge your friends to a game and pray for each other!)