So, did you hear that the Christian life was easy and a bed of roses? Yep, me neither! And I don’t read it anywhere in scripture either. So what motivates us to keep marching on, pressing forward, to have perseverance and persistence? Is it the amazing grace of Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, or having an intimate relationship with Holy Spirit? Maybe it’s being a friend of God (can we really fathom that), the gift of salvation, and eternity. Or perhaps it’s that personal relationship with our Creator that satisfies us like nothing else can and living our life with purpose. Perhaps it’s all the above, and God’s promises, plus more?
Paul, one who certainly suffered much for the sake of following Jesus, ran with passion to know Jesus, his goal was to be like Jesus, and to reach the purpose Jesus Christ called him to fulfill. What an example for us in not letting anything get us off track. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus helps us in challenging times.
I’m certain we all have things we could offer as reason to no stay put or be distracted by. The world’s gone crazy; COVID counts are going up and the stock market down; the governments’ running amuck; the Egyptian army is behind us – the sea is before us; there are giants in the land. We are good with our reasoning and Satan likes to go on a rampage when things are difficult and giving us more reasons. When we take time to be still and listen to the gentle voice of God, can we hear him say, it’s okay – trust Me – march on.
When the Israelites were to cross the Jordon, the waters didn’t part beforehand as when they crossed the Red Sea. Hmm, sounds like they may have had a good reason to not continue moving on into the Promised Land. However, this time the water parted once the souls of the priests’ feet, who were bearing the ark, rested in the water. They had to march on, press forward into something they had not done before, before they saw the way through.
2 Samuel 5, recounts the story of Philistines going to search for King David. David inquired of the Lord on what he should do and was successful. When the Philistines came again David didn’t just go out to fight figuring he knew what the Lord would say; David again inquired of the Lord. This time the Lord had a different strategy for David to follow; there was success as he followed the plans.
When we face an enemy or difficult situation, we, like David, need to inquire of the Lord to know His plans, strategies, wisdom, and proper timing, so that we can persevere, stay strong, move forward, and have success.
…live your life empowered by God’s free-flowing grace, which is your true strength,
found in the anointing of Jesus and your union with him! 2 Timothy 2:1 TPT
Beyond the Silver Coin 