Wind Resistance!

This was one of my regular long walk days. However, today was one of those days I was tempted to cut my walk a little shorter. It wasn’t exceptionally cold. I wasn’t even having to contend with rain. Today it was the wind I had to battle. At times I found myself walking leaning to the side while at other times I had to really lean forward into the wind. Some of the gusts almost completely stopped my forward motion, but I was determined to get my usual miles in and therefore PRESSED ON though it took me a little longer than usual to go the distance. I did appreciate the moments when I was among trees which sheltered me from the wind’s force. This offered some relief and encouragement to PRESS ON to the finish.

Life is like that. Sometimes we may feel the benefit of having the wind behind us. I took advantage of those moments today to pick up my pace. Other times we may feel forces attempting to slow our forward motion or even trying to stop us in our tracks. Perhaps there are times we are tempted to quit because the effort needed to PRESS ON seems so great. Nevertheless we must be determined to PRESS ON.

What we need to maintain is a focus that helps us remember PRESSING ON will be worth the effort and that there is strength beyond ourselves for resisting the force of the winds that may rise against us in this life. God has provided encouragement and instruction so that we can develop a faith which keeps us from being driven and tossed about by the wind. ( James 1:6)

Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus as he wrote…
“(11) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, (12) to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (14) so THAT WE MAY NO LONGER BE CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO by the waves and CARRIED ABOUT BY EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” ( Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV)

We may experience the force of ideologies and teachings which conflict with the truth of God’s Word, but we must continue to mature and grow stronger in resisting the force to go with those winds. Sometimes those gusts may feel quite strong, but at those times let us lean forward in prayer as we PRESS ON with a determination to go the distance with God. Let us also be encouraged by the refreshment of spirit we can find in the times of shelter with other believers.

If I was a fair-weather walker I would not be in the physical shape I am in today because I would not get in the miles I usually do. If we are fair-weather Christians we will not develop the maturity and stamina necessary to be the spiritual beings God desires us to be now and for eternity. There will be times when the walking is more difficult than at others times. Jesus has gone the way ahead of us so that we can follow His lead. Let us retain a determination to PRESS ON in His steps with the knowledge that the one who endures to the end will be saved! ( Matthew 10:22;
24:13)

Have a great day BEING AN ALL-WEATHER DISCIPLE OF JESUS!
Carl

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