I came across this bible verse “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus’” (Phil 3:14). In life, all too often, we feel like giving up, but we tell ourselves to press on. Why? For the “prize”.
Eagles, soaring with beauty in the skies. How do they do it? Don’t they get tired travelling the distances? Well, it seems that whilst most birds take refuge when they see a storm coming, eagles go “head-on” with the storm, unafraid, using the storm to lift itself higher, above the clouds, towards the “prize”.
Ever wondered how “hardy” a camel is, plodding through the dry, harsh and arid desert? Step by step, keeping a steady pace, adapting to the difficult surroundings. Towards a “prize”?
As the saying goes, “busy as a beaver”. Have you ever watched a documentary showing a beaver at work? In summer, the beaver is already preparing for winter, chipping away tree trunks, gathering wood, and constructing a maze that would put most engineers to shame. A beaver’s job is never done. But, what’s the “prize” you may wonder.
For perseverance to take place, there needs to be a “prize” at the end. What’s the “prize”, you may ask. For some, maybe its career advancement, for others, perhaps its the latest performance car, yet others, recognition as the best. I often question that – “Is there not more to it?” Maybe its family for some, finding love for others, and well, for some, God.
Knowing this “prize” is what keeps us grounded, is what drives us to wake up every morning, is what motivates us to carry out the chores of life, is what keeps us going when we are down, is what keeps our head up when we are hurting… When the going gets tough, look towards the “prize” and keep going.
I end of this passage with a quote from Martin Luther King, “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.” And if I can just add my quote to it, “…towards the “prize”.” Discover your “prize”.