Winning Skills

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)

Most people have a negative view of failure, thinking that it negates success.  A healthier and more accurate view is that failure is a step towards success.  If we understand this – we can view obstacles and setbacks as nothing more than a way to hone our winning skills.  This is exactly what Paul did when faced with obstacles and setbacks.  Paul never threw in the towel or gave up; he simply took those moments to press forward and persevere despite of everything.  For example, when Paul was in the city of Philippi, he encountered a slave girl and casted out of her an unclean spirit.  Because of this, he was imprisoned.  During his setback, Paul did not sit in his prison cell complaining or plotting revenge.  Instead he forgave the injustice and wholeheartedly focused on God, which ultimately led to the salvation of the jailer and his entire family.

Today, let us not view obstacles or failures negatively.  Let us view them as opportunities for us to sharpen our winning skills, for us to forget past hurts, focus on future successes, and press towards the person we are to be in God – holy and righteous.