"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:12-14. ESV
In the secular world, "forward-upward" means to forget an unpleasant experience or failure and then move on to think about the future. The world rarely tells you what to look forward to as you try to move on to another place. They quickly say to trust your instincts and be optimistic. Their definition is a false sense of overcoming because no one has the power within themselves to overcome except GOD. Optimism is worthless unless GOD anoints you with the power to overcome instincts. As we enter the last month in the 1st quarter of this year, GOD sent a Prophetic Word.
He said, "FORWARD-UPWARD. COME OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONES AND MOVE FORWARD AND UPWARD IN HIM." Unlike the world, GOD has Spiritual Prizes through His Word to the obedient ones. Those who do not hesitate but move quickly to answer His Clarion call. All of GOD'S Dear Children can look forward to the Promises in the Word to be their Prize. Apostle Paul knew this well. This explains why he said…" forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14. ESV.
I believe what Apostle Paul meant in the verse is he has not reached his goal of being like Christ, and he understands it will not happen until CHRIST returns. But in the meantime, he can push forward toward that upward calling from the LORD. What a revelation for him and us today. The main reward when we walk in obedience is eternal life.
Remember:
JESUS CHRIST died on the cross and rose again, with all authority and power, so that we could prevail in His authority and power to answer the call to move "FORWARD-UPWARD" IN GOD.
Prayer:
Thank you for sending a Prophetic Word to your dear children. May we turn our hearts to You and obey your Clarion call. -In JESUS's Name, Amen.
O. M. Nugget:
"THE PERFECT PLACE IS FORWARD-UPWARD IN GOD."
Expository Study:
Philippians 3:12-21
Food For Thought:
"If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.