Sunday, October 22, 2023

Press On - Sunday October 22 2023

 

Sunday Message Oct 22 23 

 

 Press On 

 

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” Philippians 3:13 NKJV 

 

These are difficult days in our world to say the least! Most of us are experiencing some challenge if not many. We are pressed, stressed and overly stimulated by outside things. We get tired and weary in the well doing. 

 

Today at our service, we were encouraged to keep on going to run our race and finish our course! Jesus called every one of us to do something to follow Him. And each one of us has a different calling. He didn’t say it would be easy. Even in His sinless human state before going all the way to Calvary, He felt the pressure from the enemy to just give up! It was an intense moment for Him. 

 

He had to remember that His Father in heaven had a will and a purpose that would achieve an amazing thing to bless many people with salvation if He would ride it out and finish His course. Today we were reminded that the journey isn’t supposed to be easy or convenient. It will be difficult and there will be battles. 

 

In the story of the runner who was injured, we see that once he tore the hamstring in his leg, he could no longer run to ‘win’, but as his father came out onto the track to help him run the rest of the race with excruciating pain and tears streaming down his face, he was able to cross the finish line. In the world’s eyes he may not have won, but the truth is that he won because he didn’t give up when all hope seemed lost! He crossed the finish line! 

 

Our loving Heavenly Father reminded me this morning before I ever heard the Pastor’s message today that He doesn’t give up on us! He lovingly comes out on the “track of this life” and holds us up so we can successfully run and finish our course. It might be through pain and tears, but we must not give up on ourselves! 

 

All of this spoke loudly to my heart and comforted me greatly as I thought of things I have experienced. This verse was in my Bible app this morning: 

 

Ps. 119:49-50 nkjv "Remember the word to Your servant upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction...". 

 

Abba Father is right there encouraging us and holding us as we go through it all! He will never leave us or forsake us. Jesus promised this. May the tough things be used to draw us closer and closer to Jesus and His heart; the Father’s heart ♥️ remembering that even as He allows difficult things in our life, He always leads us to victory if we don’t give up. 

 

Finally, here is what Paul said: 

 

 “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:6-7 NKJV 

 

I’m asking the Lord to encourage each of you as you read and apply this to your own circumstances this week and in the days that follow! 

 

Much love and blessings to you all in Jesus Name! ✝️🙏🏻🥰♥️ 

 

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