Invitation to Victory

UPWARD MOMENTUM!
Terry R. Baughman

“I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 TPT).

Our calling is not just an invitation to participate, but an invitation to champion His cause. God does not ask us to settle for mediocrity, neither will He challenge us to the dizzying  heights of impossibilities. Rather, He extends an invitation to great possibilities. His summons includes a roadmap to our ultimate destination, the heavenly goal and a victory-prize! 

Some have suggested that the Christian walk is difficult, painful, or impossible to travel. They seem to forget the character of the One who calls us. That’s not to say that this life is without its challenges, trials, and hurtful experiences. However, Christ’s call is, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30 NIV).

Jesus enables those He calls, and empowers those who believe in Him. His final promise before the ascension was, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NIV).

His calling is lofty and His plans are extravagant. He only wants to reach the entire world, and impact the lives of every nation. (See Matthew 28:19 & Mark 16:15.) It was a grand vision for twelve disciples who had never been far from home, but Jesus knew His destiny was greater than the Galilee, and further in scope than the land of Israel. What may seem like mission impossible, becomes altogether possible through the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. 

Paul recognized our ultimate success was dependent on “the anointing of Jesus,” who promised all things are possible through Him. (See Mark 9:23; and 10:27.) With our faith steadfast in Christ and our focus firmly directed towards Him we can run with endurance and press forward with great confidence in our success, that of, “reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize.” 


Theme passage:
“Let us all advance together to reach this victory-prize, following one path with one passion” (Philippians 3:16 TPT).