Winning the prize is demonstration or proof of mastery. Should we not be asking now, Lord how do I attain mastery in my walk with you, towards receiving the prize of the upward calling of Christ, seeing that the end of all things is at hand? This is a decision we each make on self-discipline and self-denial of the mundane distractions that pleasures of our flesh crave for; and focusing on the ‘call’. Our text says—A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever.

What is His call upon your life? Do you know? To take a few examples:

• David was clear on the call upon his life—Psalm 78:70-72, which he fulfilled taking those described in 1 Samuel 22:2 and turning them into mighty men listed in 2 Samuel 23:8-39 (rather long to list, please endeavor to read)
• Habakkuk knew that his assignment was to be driven as described in Habakkuk 2:14 (AMPC)—But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea, and
• Timothy received instruction through Paul in 2 Timothy 2:2 (AMPC)—And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also.

What instructions have you received? Are you pursuing the same? Beloved don’t just pass through this way aimlessly! If you have clear instructions or call, pray that you do not slip away from them, results, or no results. Result or reward may not be immediate, but you will not lose your reward. The Lord alluded to this in John 4:36-38. He who regards your labours will bring it forth in His time. Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele