Athletes desire great things. This desire drives them to compete, pursue, and strive toward their ultimate goal for the season. I call this the “want” to achieve. The trouble comes in a team sport when the “wants” of different athletes don’t match. The goal of a coach is to get the entire team to “want” the same thing and strive toward that end.

Paul had quite a resume in life. He was a who’s who of people of his time, but his desire or “want” in life was much different than others of his day. All the accolades others aspired to, Paul did not want. He was focused on one area only: the desire to know Jesus Christ better each day.

What outcome do we want for our season? What is our greatest desire? Paul did not let his circumstance, the people around him, or his uncertain future stand in the way of making Jesus his priority. Whether in chains or in public, Paul daily shared his desire with others and prayed that they too would pursue Christ as Savior and Lord. Our “wants” can be powerful. Do we truly know what we want in life? Paul knew, and his focus did not waver. Let’s make sure our desire is God’s desire!