Press On

Earlier in the week I determined to bike ride to South Venice from Osprey. It was a beautiful day and I had a purpose to ride and go visit someone. I determined my route (mostly the Legacy Trail), got my helmet, bottle of water, and headed out. Less than 100 yards into this I came to realize that I would be riding into a pretty strong headwind (the weather app said 18mph). Oh boy I need a plan to press on! Knowing I needed to keep my mind in a positive place, I pictured myself stopping in one location to take in the view and drink a little water. Next, I pictured myself arriving at the destination. Lastly, I imagined the “easy-ride” going back with wind pushing me home. That strategy worked quite well. I made the 12-mile ride and had a great visit. God was gracious to keep the wind pushing me back home in my favor. It a rewarding experience after all being said and done.

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:1,2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

God gives us a fantastic motive to press onward. Our example and focus should be Jesus. Yes, this life is full of a variety of struggles. But, God would have us to know that we should not be struggling just to be struggling. We should no longer go into each day with the mindset this is another day of struggle, stress, and strife. As children of God we should be able to find some joy, some peace, some happiness in the midst of any given situation or circumstance. As children of God we should not be constantly flailing around in the winds of worry or caught up in the sinking sands of sorrow.

So, we run this race with patience, we fight the good fight of faith.

With precision we stay the course. With purpose we turn our eyes toward Jesus.

Remember Psalm 121, “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from where comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer your foot to be moved, he that keeps you will not slumber.”

When the race gets you down, press on.

Pastor Larry

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