"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" - Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV).
Specialist tree loggers are skilled in how to fell trees. A skilled tree logger will certainly ensure that any tree cut falls forward- that is, it does not swing back taking other trees down with it. A tree logged should not fall anyhow as in the way of others or block a main road. The loggers are mindful of all and do use their skills to ensure trees fall without retarding them to go forward in their work.
In life there is such a thing as falling forward. A fall may be precipitated by a stumble. One could stumble financially incurring a certain expense that devastates ones finances. There could be a stumble that affects a relationship. Stumbles can come from anywhere and set one back.
When you stumble, which happens to the very best, it is often a question of do you fall backwards or forward. If a body falls backwards it might be a challenge to pick up due to injury. But a body that falls forward, like those tree loggers, is in better control of the situation and is able to pick up and move forward.
So, as with our leading verse today, let us aspire to fall forward wherever we stumble. I shouldn't be a matter that one did stumble and fell; rather, that you fall forward, and are quick to pick up and push forward for the prize ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I choose to fall forward, picking up where I stumble, and looking forward as I press on for the prize that awaits those that persevere in faith, this I pray in Jesus's name.
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
