Definition of Determination
A crawling baby might be the most invasive house guest you’ve ever had. The world is his oyster! He is no longer restricted only to locations chosen by adults. I’m convinced the definition of determination is a crawling baby who rushes towards the desirable (and forbidden) object or location (aka anything that is dangerous).
Through the lens of trying to keep my own kids alive, the Lord often shows me glimpses of His view of me! Recently, after bath, my son ruined his outfit. So, I wrestled him out of the cute (but now messy) clothes and selected new ones while he played on the floor. Just as I turned to dress him, he spotted the desirable/forbidden location: an open bathroom door! I sat down, blocking the doorway, and reached to put on his shirt. Did that stop him? NO! He showed me the definition of determination and zoomed into the gap between me and doorframe.
In that moment, the Lord gave me a smile and a memory verse. “…here is the one thing I do. I forget what is behind me. I push hard toward what is ahead of me. I push myself forward toward the goal to win the prize. God has appointed me to win it. The heavenly prize is Christ Jesus himself.” (Phil 3:13-14 NIRV)
Forget what is behind you. Push hard toward the goal. What is the prize? Jesus Christ. A growing relationship with Jesus, a home in Heaven…there is no better prize.
What has the Lord shown you in your relationship with Him? Is He asking you to put the past firmly behind you? The goal is there ahead of you, but maybe there is something in your way. It’s time to push forward with the energy of a child headed for the open bathroom door! Hold on to the definition of determination and focus. Jesus is the prize!
