Pressing Forward by Aije Barnes June 5 issue 3 Vol 4

The phrase 'Pressing Forward' conjures up thoughts of being relentlessness, having strength, perseverance and hope. 

 

None of these would be effective without faith. 

 

You must first believe that there is a prize to be won or a goal to achieve before you embark on any of the attributes above with the hope that you will succeed. 

 

But how often do we give up or get distracted? Don't you know that this hinders your progress? 

 

There is a famous but wise saying  'it is not how well you start but rather how well you finish.' 

 

The critical ingredients in achieving your success is Faith. The bible says faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen and the just shall live by faith. Also, without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to God must first believe that He is and secondly, that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11 verse 6.

 

No matter what your situation may be, if you have asked The Lord for help, no matter what the circumstances are telling you, don't focus on them. Listen to Who God says He is to you in those situations and focus in Him diligently. He is your provider, your strength, your rock, your hiding place, your healer, your banner, your saviour, your kinsman redeemer your Shepard, your everlasting father your wonderful counsellor, your mighty God your Prince of Peace your portion in the land of the living. Mediate on who He is for your particular circumstance. 

 

He will never never never disappoint you. He does not lie. He will honour His word to fulfil it. Even the impossible He makes possible. He has done it time and time again. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He does not change. 

 

The Lord is looking for people who will trust Him. So when you go through hard times or trouble don't be scared. Look at it as an opportunity for you see God's hand at work in your live. 

 

The scriptures actually says :'My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4 NKJV)'

 

Patience means waiting for God without giving up but trusting Him. In your patience praise Him for His faithfulness. There is power in praise because you take your focus away from your situation and set your heart and mind on the One who is greater than you and anything you might be facing. 

 

Sometimes things may not turn out the way you had wanted it. But you must never think that God has not heard or answered your prayers.  Remember that when Jesus prayed he said '...O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39 KJV). 

It was God's will for Jesus to drink from the cup. It was not pleasant for him but '...For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2, 3 NIV). 

 

So don't grow weary or think God does not care if things don't go the way you wanted. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31, 32 NIV).

 

God loves you and has something greater for you than what you might have felt disappointed about, and it is much better than what you were asking for though at the time you are going through your anguish, you may not see it but He does and certainly has your best interest at heart. 

 

Never stop trusting. Keep pressing forward until you reach your goal fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith... (Hebrews 12:2 NIV).  

 

Shalom