Steven A. Bush - January 3, 2021
Pressing On
Penned from prison to the Church in Philippi, the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:14: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (ESV) Even while in chains, Paul's attitudinal mindset was one of pressing on, moving ahead, striving after all that God had called him to do. When we step across the threshold of heaven's gates into the streets of glory, and see all the battle-scarred Saints of Old who've passed before us, what will they see looking back at us? Will they see a bunch of self-preservationists, whining victims of inconsequential circumstances, or see good and faithful servants who by the strength and grace of God never gave up or quit? One among that great cloud of witnesses will be the lesser known OT prophet, Habakkuk. In Habakkuk 3:17-18 the prophet declares: "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” (ESV) The truth is, believers in Christ have no other real choice before us but to press on towards the higher calling of our Lord. The notion of giving up must not take root in our minds and hearts. As the Great Awakening preacher George Whitefield said, "It is better to wear out than to rust out." Amen! Therefore, let us keep on pressing on together, come what may...