I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Some time ago, I was part of a small group asked to represent a civic organization at an event. My schedule was very hectic, I was behind in a lot of my work, and as the date drew closer I realized it was highly unlikely for me to attend the event with my group.

I told myself I could catch up on work and get back some normalcy to my schedule so I didn’t mind missing the event.

The day of the event arrived and my other team members went, however at the end of the day they had reason to be saddened by the fact that I was not there. The activities included many prizes and surprises and my name was called to go on a cruise. My teammates lamented because I was not there to claim the prize.

After working long and hard and barely being able to keep up with my schedule, an opportunity came for me to relax and finally be free from my hectic life and I lost it. I was absent so I could not claim my prize.

The journey of faith will have many things to distract us. Some days we will feel overwhelmed and giving up may seem like the sensible thing to do. This is a lie from the enemy. The moment we give up is the moment we forfeit our right to claim the prize that the Lord has in store for us.

Don’t give in to the lies of the enemy. Don’t ever believe that being overwhelmed is a reason to give up. The journey of faith is not a sprint that requires speed and strength. It requires relying on the Lord to carry you through and depending on Him as a source of strength.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

You are on a journey and you have to keep going if you want to claim the prize. Philippians 3:14 is not just a reminder of what we should do to claim our reward. It’s a text that tells you to be resilient and hopeful. If you don’t give up, one day you will be able to exclaim the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Don’t forfeit your prize! Continue faithfully on the journey of faith to receive your crown of righteousness.