I was excited about our destination. We were in the mountains and I love waterfalls. So when my husband had the idea of hiking to a waterfall of course I was all in. We started off on level ground down a nice wide path. It didn't take too long for the path to narrow and become rocky. We hiked up and down hill, around small cliffs and raised tree roots all with two small children . I also forgot to bring water. ( I know, I get the mom of the year award right?) So I'm hiking up and down hill trying not to trip over rocks and tree roots or fall down a cliff and trying to keep my children safe down this difficult path.
Many times through panting and thirst I asked my husband "can we just turn back?' I had every excuse why we should not continue on. He would then encourage me to keep going and that we would be there soon. We sat to rest and part of me wanted to say "you all just go ahead, I'll just sit right here." I kept going because my husband kept pressing me on. Sure enough we finally made it and the waterfall and rocks were beautiful. Just the sound of the waterfall was amazing. The rough journey was most definitely worth it in the end.
Our destination was beautiful. Our journey was difficult. Isn't that like life though? We, as believers know that our destination is in glory with Jesus face to face. Oh what a glorious day that will be! But this life, this temporary earthly life is hard, stressful, even scary and full of ups and downs, roots and rocks trying to trip us. In fact life can be so hard at times that the thought of giving up starts to be okay with us. If not giving up, then maybe just sitting out. After all we are so tired and weary from our journey, we think it would be nice just to blend in and do nothing.
At those times, if we're listening and looking, the Holy Spirit Himself will encourage us to press on. He will whisper "You can do this. I am with you. Keep going, put one foot in front of the other. I can see ahead of you, it's going to be worth it. You've come too far to turn back. Don't give up. You're doing great. Depend on me and press on!"
God has been speaking these exact words to my spirit lately "Press on, my daughter."
When you're exhausted and just want to quit, press on knowing He is your strength and shield. When it seems like you do for others and no one notices and no one cares, press on knowing that He sees you and He cares for you. When you feel like you've failed God and the ones that you love, press on confessing sin and knowing that God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. When loneliness creeps in, press on knowing that our God is Immanuel and He is with you and will never leave you. When you feel defeated and like the world is against you, press on knowing that if God is for us, who can be against us? When you're confused and don't know what to do, keep your eyes on Him and press on!
King Jehoshaphat prayed a humble yet powerful prayer when he was facing enemy armies. He prayed: "For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us: nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."
We like King Jehoshaphat must keep our eyes upon Him and press on, never giving up. Press on to do what He has called you to do. Press on to know Him more and more. One day this temporary, earthly life will be over. Then, my brothers and sisters in Christ we will be with our King worshipping and praising Him forevermore!
Yes this journey is hard but keep your head up and Press on! We are not alone and our Guide walks with us encouraging us.
"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, 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 which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:12-14
