13 I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
A key word for today is determination - God has given us the tools, the principles, in order to grow closer to Him and to fulfill His will for our lives. But, we have to make the correct choices to propel us in that direction and use the tools effectively that He has given us, exercising reliance on the Holy Spirit. We can have a path laid out for us, but if we don't take the necessary steps, fueled by determination, then we are overcome by the forces of this world and the power of sin, rather than walking as overcomers, more than conquerors in Christ - our choices and follow-through are incredibly important.
Joshua 1 reminds us that determination is born out of a dedication to absorbing the Scriptures into our minds and applying God's Word to our lives:
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Now, listen to the words that Gabrielle Douglas said in London with a gold medal around her neck, according to the Des Moines Register:
“I don’t think we wanted to settle for less,” Douglas said after Team USA dominated the field to seize its first Olympic gold in women’s gymnastics since 1996. “We wanted to go out there and be aggressive, and be strong and courageous, and not be afraid. So we went out there and did that. And it feels awesome to be champions.”The newspaper piece actually credited those words to Joshua 1:9.
According to a CBN.com report, Gabby told NBC News, "I've been meditating on scriptures saying be confident in this, and the Bible really helps me so I was very confident."
Gabrielle Douglas is one of the 5 young ladies who achieved Olympic gold in women's gymnastics, and her story is one of determination - physically and spiritually. Two years ago, Gabby moved from Virginia Beach to Des Moines, Iowa, with her mother's blessing to train with a renowned coach...reminiscent of how Hannah allowed her young son Samuel to go study with the priest, Eli. Gabby lived with a sponsor family there who homeschooled her and helped keep her grounded, and she had a strong church family at Valley Church there, who prayed for her and supported her in her endeavors. She is a very well-spoken young lady who has a strong testimony for Christ, and with the fervor of this incredible Olympic victory in gymnastics, Gabby has a fabulous platform through which she can share what Jesus has done in her life.
Determination is an important characteristic of the Christian life - through God's Word and His presence, we can have the confidence it takes in order to fulfill His plans for our lives and to maximize the abilities that He has given us. We can be encouraged to do whatever it takes in order to please our Savior!
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