Faith must grow and stretch to meet the challenges we face. In Philippians, Paul, a man far from his final destination, reminds us of this essential truth: Fueled by his unwavering faith in Christ, he persists to press on. Without dwelling on what lies behind, he moves beyond the past, straining towards the future, his gaze fixed firmly on the prize God has set for him. With conviction, he declares:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 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 3:12-14
Pressing Onward Like Paul
Just like Paul, we must fight with heart and keep pushing forward, acknowledging that we might never fully reach our destination. Yet this understanding should not dissuade us -we are, after all, works in progress. With our entire being, we must commit every ounce of effort towards pursuing our goals and fulfilling our purpose. This journey demands a faith that stretches and expands in the face of adversity.
Faith comes easy when life’s waters are calm, but its true mettle is tested in turmoil. Indeed, having faith is easy until it’s required. It is in those moments, when we’re up against a seemingly insurmountable wall, that our faith truly comes to life, transforming from an abstract concept into a tangible force that propels us forward.
Personal Testimony
I was severely afflicted with a neurological condition that tested my faith to its brink. Nights dragged on endlessly and my days were filled with tears. Despite praying, fasting and pleading before the Lord, my healing and relief of pain seemed agonizingly distant. Nevertheless, I pressed on, stretching my faith with the belief that, in His own timing, God would grant me healing. During those challenging three months of illness my faith in God grew stronger, becoming a palpable force that propelled me forward. Through it all I continued to preach and lead the church I Pastor. I’m now on the path to recovery, stepping closer each day towards complete healing in Jesus' name. It was my faith in the promises of God that propelled me forward in the midst of the most difficult period of my life.
Don’t Be Discouraged If Your Faith Falters When Faced With Challenges
Don’t lose heart if you find your faith wavering in the face of trials. Many people experience the same struggle. The key is to remember that faith is most profoundly activated not in the ease, but at the edge of our limits. It’s precisely in those moments, when faced with formidable resistance, that our faith surges, shifting into high gear. This unexpected awakening of faith is where our true strength resides. It’s a reminder that faith, though it may seem to flicker, burns brighter when the night is darker.
Forge ahead through obstacles, hold fast to your faith, and surmount whatever challenges arise with it. We shall not be overpowered nor defeated by resistance for faith is our ultimate weapon. Let’s harness its power and ascend to greatness. The prize awaits us, let’s claim it with unwavering faith.
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
~I Timothy 6:11, 12 (NIV)
Have a blessed week,
Pastor (Rev. Elias Limones)
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