…but to endure and press

Jonathan McReynolds video for – “Moving On” It’s off his new released album – People.

“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

I don’t understand much going on in my world or in the world. 🌎 There are so many issues challenging individuals. In addition, our “normal” lives have been totally obliterated by the pandemic virus. Everything feels like a challenge- a struggle. Even the task of grocery shopping is filled with anxiety and fear. It’s definitely a praying season to survive.

The words in my spirit today are – endure and press!

Even writing these words feels like a chore for me right now. I have wanted to write. Of course sheltered in have had the time to write. I’d start and then would stop. I almost gave up two or three times writing this – BUT I ENDURE and I PRESS!! I know this is what God would have me to do.

Webster’s Dictionary defines endure as – to undergo especially without giving in – in other words to suffer. Suffer doesn’t always mean in a physical way. One can also suffer emotionally or mentally. One can suffer attempting to complete a task.

Press is defined as – move by means of pressure – the burden of physical or mental distress. Emphasis for me in that explanation is on the word move.

It is good to endure – survive trails and tribulations. I do believe through God’s Word he tells us to go further. He not only wants us to endure and just make it- God also wants us to advance – PRESS! Press requires movement. Press requires faith – being heavenly minded and while focused on earthly matters. Press requires steadfastness and patience.

You can’t press resting or sitting. You must stand and move forward to press. We have to give some type of effort. Yes, you’ll have to expend physical, mental or emotional energy. There is some type of action.

It’s having a forward looking mentality. It takes renewing the mind so we don’t exhaust ourselves with the thoughts of the struggles of yesterday. Let yesterday’s burdens go. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning! (Psalm 30:5)

Find encouraging scriptures in the Word in which to meditate/repeat. While writing these words, along with repeating the word, “press,” I’ve be thinking – “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Along with that God has reassured me that He knew me “before I was formed in the belly.” (Jeremiah 1) I know I am to write and it is one of the purposes I was created. “Feed my sheep, feed my lambs” as a directive rolls in my head. (John 21:15-17)

Still not apprehending/understanding? It’s as simple as saying to yourself…

Yes, thank you Lord! We got over Friday in the house and accomplished things. I’m excited and have my “to do” list for Saturday. With You and Your help I can do this!

I know I’ve simplified this concept. I challenge those facing daunting issues to attempt the same process. He’ll assist you in getting through each second, minute, hour, day…

As Jonathan McReynolds sings in his new song, Moving On, “I know my rear view can’t compare to what God will do with my life.”

Please continue to endure and press!