PRESS ON!

By: Dennis Harworth

Starting in my sophomore year in high school, I purposely scheduled my classes as far apart on campus as I possibly could.  I enjoyed the pressure of time constraints to conscientiously get to my classes on time.  This was crazy enough, but to add to the excitement, I would stand in the halls until the very last minute before the bell rang.  Then I would sprint full speed across the campus, jumping over benches, while dodging and doing spin moves to avoid other students.  With seconds to spare, I would get to my class and slide into my seat.  What an adrenalin rush!

After high school the adrenalin rush quickly faded as the pressures of life became a reality.  Marriage, children, and jobs brought a new set of restrictions of time, money, and life in general.  Plus, the trials and tribulations of my faith brought a different dimension to the demands of daily living.  As time passed, I realized that even though my circumstances might change, the pressures in life remain.

You have probably noticed as well, that it doesn’t matter what season of life you are in, there are situations in your family, health, finances, friends, or your job that are trying to put the squeeze on you.  The pressure might come from trying to keep peace with a family member.  You might be under the strain of dealing with health issues.  It might be the anxiety of paying a bill or anticipating a deadline.  You might be overwhelmed with having a complicated responsibility beyond your ability.  In any case, the pressure will not decrease or go away if we choose to ignore it or run away from it.  It is what you do with the pressure that makes the difference.

It is so good to know that whatever you are going through, it is only temporary (2 Corinthians 4:18), and if it is temporary, it is subject to change.  It is even better to know that if you need wisdom to get you through to the needed change, ask God.  He will liberally give it to you (James 1:5).  So then, the best course of action is to trust God, obey His Word, and press on towards what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13-14).  Remember, God’s plans for you are to give YOU a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).  He loves YOU and wants YOU to win or succeed.  God’s perfect love will destroy any fear, anxiety, and torment while replacing it with assurance and boldness (1 John 4:17-18).

Therefore, let the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing the future He plans for you will far surpass the frustrations of today.  What you are going to is greater than what you are going through.  Focus on the promises and power of God, not the problems and pressures of life.  For the promises of God will cause you to press on with strength and stamina.  The power of God will cause you to press on to triumph and victory.  You have a choice!  You can compromise, cave in, and quit; or when life’s pressures come against you, choose to — PRESS ON!

Faith gives you the strength and stamina to go forward.  Hope gives you the

confidence and courage to get you there.   Dennis Harworth