"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).
After his salvation in Christ the Apostle Paul could be said to be a man always on the move. He started out in Damascus, Arabia and traveled widely through Asia Minor and Europe in what was then the Roman Empire during the course of three long missionary journeys. Like in any other journeys occasionally Paul would encounter obstacles. There are two in particular of note.
One of his earliest traveling campanions was Barnabas. But as in most relationships they were tense moments of disagreement. On one occasion the two soldiers in Christ sharply differed who to take along with them. They "had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches" (Acts 15:39-41).
Another event that could have held Paul back was almost beyond his control. After being arrested by his accusers Paul was dispatched off to Rome for trial. But on the way his ship was hit by a furious storm and grounded (Acts 27-28). In spite of this set back, this did not prevent him from eventually getting to Rome to testify of salvation in Christ, which was the plan all along (Acts 23:11).
If Paul was a man held back to begrudge on circumstances he encountered he wouldn't have been as effective in his calling. Paul knew the power of moving on other than being held back by harsh circumstances. Likewise, each one of us will in a life encounter those moments that rise to hold us back. But may we stay focused on the mission Christ has given us, and move on!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham and maker of heaven and earth, help me with the power of your Holy spirit to move on especially where I encounter setbacks for your glory, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
-
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!
