How Do You

How do you "Press on" when you are "hard pressed"?

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“We are troubled (hard-pressed) on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Put your eyes on (or back on) the prize, and leave them there! 

What you are going through (the storm, the trial, the test) is a distraction to get your eyes off of Jesus! "Pressing on" in these tests; keeping your eyes on Jesus, is how you endure the refining fires! These tests are for your own good!

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we take our eyes off of Jesus, the enemy's lies, will capture us. It's a choice of obedience; listen to God's Truth or devil's lies! (God: "Trust Me, keep your focus on Me, I've made a Way for you") OR ( devil: "look around you - this will never end"); Your choice who you "hear"!

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

However, it is impossible to do this in the flesh! 

If you have unrepented sin in your life, like unforgiveness, bitterness, judgements, you have given place to the enemy and your resistance of him is futile! 

It is impossible to forget your past if you are still holding on to unforgiveness! Because it is not past; it is still present! You can't just "put it behind you" if it is still in front of you!

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Resisting your master, when you are a slave to sin, is to no avail! He owns you! 

Get rid of the hidden sins in your heart, by humbling yourself, confessing your sins to one another, forgiving, and repenting, and God WILL set you free! (James 5:16)

Then you can resist the enemy! 

Then you become a Child Of God! Then He fights your battles and corrects you in His Love to refine and purify, and make you into His image!

 

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:13-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Repent while there is still time.

Even so - MARANATHA!

From 6/1/14