No Pulling Back!

In Hebrews 11 we read of heroes of faith who were willing to PRESS ON. In spite of the odds and even having not received in hand the complete fulfillment of what was promised, they PRESSED ON in following God. Their PRESSING FORWARD was not because there was no opportunity to do otherwise, but because they kept focused on the fact God had even better things in mind for them. Therefore their vision did not center on what they had left, but rather on what was AHEAD.

The Hebrew writer expressed it in this way.
“(13) THESE ALL DIED IN FAITH, NOT HAVING RECEIVED THE THINGS PROMISED, but HAVING SEEN THEM AND GREETED THEM FROM AFAR, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. (14) For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. (15) If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, THEY WOULD HAVE HAD OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN. (16) But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. THEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED TO BE CALLED THEIR GOD, for he has prepared for them a city.” ( Hebrews 11:13-16 ESV)

They lived by faith. They were not of those who shrank back. ( Hebrews 10:39) What God had promised they could see and greet from afar, trusting Him to ultimately provide something better than anything this world could offer.

I don’t want to be known as one who shrinks back. I don’t even want to be one who remains where I am. I want to keep PRESSING ON FORWARD. God is not pleased with those who shrink back ( Hebrews 10:38), but for those who PRESS ON in faith, He is not ashamed of the relationship -- “TO BE CALLED THEIR GOD.” May that be God’s view of our relationship to Him as we choose to keep MOVING FORWARD with Him! There is no shame in that!

Have a great day PRESSING UNASHAMEDLY TOWARD HOME!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Faith