The Upper Room Devotional 26 July 2026, Sunday Message
Working toward a Goal
Benjamin Paul Budde (Ohio, USA)
Today’s Reading
Philippians 3:7-14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14 (KJV)
My sons are on the swim team, and one day we were discussing what it means to be a fast swimmer. I asked them how they plan to achieve that goal. They simply said, “Swim fast.” While that’s true, they already swim fast. I encouraged them to think about how they can reach the goal of being even faster swimmers.
This involved identifying what defines a fast swimmer and researching their times and techniques. After taking the time to learn, they wrote down their goals and displayed them visibly. After a year and a half, one of my sons finally achieved the goal he had set. We were all thrilled! We cheered him on, and his brothers even made a congratulatory poster for him.
This got me thinking: Am I working with intention in my relationship with God? What if I set goals in order to grow closer to God? The ultimate goal of having a relationship with God is already laid out in today’s quoted verse. Together, by reading the Bible, praying, and offering encouragement, we can help one another set and work toward new goals in our relationship with Christ Jesus.
Thought for the Day
Setting goals for my faith can help me grow closer to God.
Prayer Focus
Coaches and Athletes
Read More
Toward the Mark
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, let your will be done in our lives. Strengthen our determination to press on toward a closer relationship with you. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 26 July 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More