Pressing Forward
"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
Finally! Reaching this point was hard. I can't believe all the battles that I had to fight in my mind, the sacrifices that I had to make and the pressure I had to endure from people all around me. I think the sleepless nights were the worst. I'd fall asleep from pure exhaustion and then find myself up again 3 hours later... thoughts racing. It had to be the enemy trying to torment me. My entire life seemed to be an uphill struggle with weights tied to my back. My past was pulling me backward while my current life situation was increasing the load. I'm thankful that I began to trust the Lord again with my life. After living a life apart from God and returning to Him... I thought my life would be smooth sailing by now. The decisions of my past seem to be plaguing me even now. I used to wonder if I would ever come from under the demands of life and consequences of my past. Now, I press forward .... I trust God to see me through each obstacle as my memories of what I've done try to nullify the Grace of God over my life. I'm grateful that I've learned to cast down thoughts that go against the Lord and His Word. I press forward... I'm extremely grateful that when discouragement hangs near, I experience the love of God that reminds me that yesterday was a distant moment never to return. I stopped wasting precious moments that I have yet to live. "Press ON!"comes to my mind in a loud voice. Then I pause and say "Thank You Lord." Moving forward and pressing on seems close to impossible at times but your Savior is with you to remind you to Press on toward a life in Christ that pleases God. Sister, if you're living and you are.... God is not through with you.
Prayer Focus:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being such an Awesome Father. You see all and you know all. You see me in all my weakness and You never turn me away. Please help me to continue to move forward in You and in my life. Thank You for forgiveness of every sin and freeing me from the guilt of my past. I know you nailed shame and guilt to the cross when You died and rose from the dead to rescue me. Father, help me to not concentrate on my past but to bring glory and honor to Your name by first trusting in You. When I'm tired and weak I ask You for strength. When I'm discouraged I thank You for sending someone to encourage me with Your Word. I press forward in Your strength and power. Thank You Father for Your mercy and Your love.
In Jesus' Name
Amen
Application Exercise
Let's practice the R- E -S- T Activity :)
Release - Release your issues by laying them down at the Lord's feet. You can do this by praying or writing them down in a prayer journal. Journaling your prayers help you to go back later to see how the Lord answered them... even if it's months and years later.
Engage - Begin to Praise the Lord and engage in His presence by singing... yes you sing not the Playlist. You can even Hum, Wave your hands or dance before the Lord. Take your mind off the problem and look to Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of your Faith.
Still - Be still; wrap your arms around yourself as tight as you can and rock. Imagine those are the arms of Christ cradling you in His embrace.
Take a Nap - He gives His beloved rest. Psalms 127:2 assures us of that . Sleep will help you reset and give your body, soul and spirit time to heal from stress.
Please take the time out to practice R E S T as often as necessary. We'll be praying for you on your journey. God's Grace.