There was a chorus regularly sung in the church group in which my formative years were played out.
The chorus suggested that the saints should press along in God’s own way, with pressing being vital in the light of persecution, trials and crosses we must face. The chorus concluded with the encouragement that the hotter the battle the sweeter the victory.
Being brought up in church, I would be in a bubble where the realities of the song were not experienced. So to a degree, I was singing a feel good song without anything to back it.
Thank God for experiences. No, I haven’t been tortured for my faith, and as yet I have not had to sacrifice my family physically to follow Jesus. Yet trials and crosses I have certainly faced. Indeed I still face pressing challenges from without and within.
What helps me to press on is not just the promise of sweet victory, but the presence of the Victor. Jesus is more real to me now than ever before because of His presence in adversity. Whether through His Word, through my family and friends, through brilliant blog posts, inspired books, awesome songs, or incidental life episodes, He remains true to His Word in never leaving me, never giving up on me, never leaving me in complacency and never leaving me without consolation.
It gets lonely at times, but then He reminds me I am never alone. I get despondent at times, but He reminds me that in Him hope has real living meaning. I get frustrated and angry at times, but He reminds me that it is in patience that I’ll see Him in action, and His truth and righteousness will prevail.
Sometimes I want to give up, do my own thing, go my own way. It is particularly at these times that He reveals an aspect of His character that overwhelms me and reminds me that without Him, life has no meaning. Without Him, my best efforts are just vapour like my life without Him. And with Him joy is full, peace is complete, love is deep and life is rich.
In the light of this, by His grace, with His help, in His strength, I press on.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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