Push forward

"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 that are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." 

                                                         Philippians 3:13-14  NKJV 

Winston Churchill once said, 'Never, never, never, never, give up.' This was his infamous speech at his old college - Eton, where hundreds of students were gathered to hear what this great man was going to say. Apparently, after he had said these six words, he sat down. At first the place was silent as they all tried to understand what he had just said. And then, it hit them and there was shouting and loud applause as they realised that he was saying, 'Press on and never surrender'. And this was the attitude of Paul too and one in which we need to take on board and own.

It is no good looking at the past; it cannot be changed, so there is no point in doing so. We need to forget what is behind. Someone once said, 'For those who speak behind our backs - don't worry! They're behind you for a reason.' Anon. It is so true. You will never stop the back-biters, but they live in the past, you are called to go forward. 

Reaching forward to what lies ahead - the future, is never easy. There are things that will attempt to hold us back. One of these is yourself, and the other one is Satan. You may become fearful about what lies ahead and choose the easier route of your comfort zone. Don't do this because it will not be comfortable for very long, that's for sure. Satan will also trick you, taunt you and do everything to keep you where you are. This is why, you have to Reach forward'. To reach forward we need to strain at times. A weightlifter will not become a threat in his or her sport, until they begin to work towards heavier weights, no matter what it costs. It's a strain and it will be for you as well. But you need to do it.

Progress will never come without effort. Write that down. To progress in something, it takes hard work, exercise, dedication and commitment. But as you succeed, there is a prize. For you it is to hear those words, 'Well done my dear servant; come into My Kingdom.' As you remain faithful and dedicated, you will hear those words one day. Until then, you know the future but, to get there you have to press on towards it. But the one thing that you must avoid at all times, is the temptation to give up. You may have been tempted to do this of late. Don't, it is a big mistake. Once you give up, the devil has won and has you in his clutches. 'Never, never, never, never, give up.' Push forward.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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