press
on

Fatigue can prove to be a formidable foe when you're working toward achieving your goals.

One year, I was driving from Atlanta to visit my family in Memphis. That particular day, I was a bit tired as I started my journey. A couple of hours into the drive, I began to feel I could not make it any farther. So, I decided to pull to the side of the highway since no exit was immediately in sight. As I sat there, I felt mildly encouraged to continue on despite my weariness. I argued within myself. Then, I gave in, pulled onto the highway and journeyed on; but to my surprise, just a few miles down the road was a proper rest area. Imagine my delight and relief!

Once situated for a brief respite, the Lord ministered to me how that many people succumb to the pressures of life. They want so much to succeed, but they give up way too soon. I saw how that, if you press on a little farther, what you need is just around the bend.

Napoleon Hill said, “Failure takes great delight in tripping one up when success is almost within reach.” He went on to say, “More than 500 of the most successful people America has ever known said their success came just one step beyond the point at which defeat had overtaken them.”

Now, in the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul wrote to a group of Believers  who had become discouraged, confused and fatigued  by the conflicting information they had received concerning what it took to maintain their salvation. Some were about to turn back and miss it big time. But the apostle Paul wrote, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

Paul was emphatic about not fainting or quitting and I understand why. It’s because it is abundantly true that all who will receive this Word will attain their goals. You see, your faith determines whether you triumph or fail. When a couple of men wanted Jesus to heal them of blindness, they pursued Him and cried out for what they wanted. They did not stop until He acknowledged them. Jesus asked them if they believed He was able to do what they desired. Their answer was yes. Then, He responded saying, “…According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matthew 9:27-29) And what was the outcome? They received their sight.

In essence, Jesus informed them that it was their view of the situation that played a part in determining their outcome. Thus, they received what they asked for because they sought for it with great determination and heart-felt faith.

Scripture says, “If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small. (Proverbs 24:10) The point being, your shield of faith works at its greatest when you face opposition. Most of the time, people try to avoid or escape a challenge instead of facing it and running it off. They fail to recognize that their heart's desire is on the other side of that seemingly insurmountable problem.

PRESS ON toward the mark. (Philippians 3:14)

Dioko is the Greek word for “press.” Metaphorically speaking, it means “to pursue”—“to seek after eagerly, to earnestly endeavor to acquire.” It also carries the meaning of “running swiftly to catch a person or thing” or “to run a race swiftly to reach a goal.”  (http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/kjv/dioko.html)

Either way, despite every hurdle, your situation is well covered.

So, decide today that you’re going to dig in your heels, brush off your shield of faith and start wielding your sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:11-17) I guarantee, if you stand your ground, you will overcome, succeed in every endeavor, and receive the prize. The hosts of heaven are cheering you on because they know God’s got your back! They are assured that, as you co-labor with God and endure hardness, even if you’re weary, He will cause you to be more than a victorious, conquering warrior.

Therefore, PRESS ON, be courageous and act; YOU WILL succeed!




* (Image by of Royalty- free/Corbis)