The apostle Paul expressed this sentiment in Philippians 3:13,14 when he said, “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.”
The word “apprehended” is from the compound Greek word katalambano. The word kata carries the idea of something that is subjugating or dominating. The word means to take something or to forcibly seize a thing. But when you compound these words into the new word, katalambano literally means to wrap your arms around something and then pull it down, hold it tight, throw it to the ground, tackle it, and conquer it. In other words, katalambano means a dogged, determined fight until you have completely mastered the thing you are trying to conquer.
You and I have never faced difficulties as great as the apostle Paul. But we’ve all faced difficulties. And, just like Paul, regardless of our station in life, we have all been chosen by God to fill a unique place and fulfill a unique purpose in God’s plans for these last days.
Whatever your God-given assignment may be, God has empowered you to complete the task by His grace. If, however, you want to fulfill the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, you must press forward with determination. You must assertively and aggressively work out the plan of God for your life — never losing sight of the fact that determination is the key to your success!
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