Isn't it such a beautiful thing to see the success of others? When you see someone make history or accomplish a goal or even carry out their vision, it's beautiful and many times people stand in awe of what they have done. I often look forward to graduation season and back-to-school because I see many of my colleagues accomplish their dreams of earning degrees and moving into career paths. I also get super excited when I see someone start their own business or embark on a new venture. Yet, in the midst of celebrating these great accomplishments, how often do we reflect on what it took for that person to get to their moment of success? How often do we praise GOD for them getting through the press?
What is the press, you ask? The press is the "in-between" stage of having the vision and it being carried through to completion. The press involves the moments where details are addressed, rejection is encountered, and discouragement is knocking at the door. The press is also the moment where most people experience the most hurt, pain, embarrassment or agony because they are embarking on the unknown. They are stepping out on faith that what they can't see will be achieved. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1 ~ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Therefore, we must understand that faith is not always easy because you are reaching for something that your physical eyes can not yet see. However, when you align your physical mind to wrap itself around the fact that you serve a GOD who is able and faithful to do what he promised, you understand that your faith is rooted and grounded in the Solid Rock- JESUS CHRIST.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." This provides us with assurance that GOD is faithful and will be faithful to perform. He is also faithful to complete the work he has begun in you (Phil. 1:6). Many of you who are reading this right now are in the press yourselves. You are enduring the "in-between" stage and you are facing rejection from people and even discouragement because you don't see any results coming from your efforts or work. You also may seem defeated because you keep getting rejected at every turn. You feel like every time you make a step forward and get your hopes up, you hear a "NO!" However, GOD is such a loving Father and such an omniscient GOD that he knows the plans he has for you and knows what is best. Therefore, if any door is closing, he is doing the closing for what GOD has for you is for you. Although your plan may look good to you, GOD knows all, sees all and understands all. Your life is in his hands and he won't let you fall. He loves you too much to leave you, forsake you or let you fail.
The Bible encourages us in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Further in Romans 8:28, the Bible says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Therefore, you don't have to feel defeated in the press. Everything that you are enduring right now is working together for your good. GOD sees where you are and has a divine plan for your outcome. Our job is to step out on faith, believe GOD's word and remain faithful to what he's instructed you to do in the meantime.
There is a passage in the Bible that many are familiar with which describes the story of a woman with an issue of blood. The story is told in both Mark 5:25 and Luke 8:43. The woman had been subject to her issue of bleeding for 12 years. In the culture of that time, her issue of bleeding caused her to be perceived as unclean and diseased. She had suffered from this and spent all of her money on physicians, but only grew worse instead of better. You can imagine that this HAD to be discouraging for this woman as she endured pain, agony, embarrassment from people whispering about her when she came around and people regarding her as unclean or diseased. Additionally, she had suffered from this for years, so she was most likely very discouraged that she may never get well as she waited for her healing. However, one day, this lady pressed her way through a crowd when she found out that JESUS was near. She pressed her way by crawling to avoid the shame that already existed from her mere presence, and touched the hem of JESUS' garment because she thought to herself, "If I just touch even his garments, I will get healed." The courage and faith of this woman is amazing! She trusted that the power of GOD was so strong that if she even touched something that was touching him, she would be well.
Her faith was demonstrated the most in her PRESS. She had to press past the opinions of others and past her own fear of rejection to get exactly what she needed from GOD, and she did! The Bible says that immediately her bleeding stopped and she could feel in her body that she was healed from her condition. Jesus knew instantly that someone had touched him because he felt the power leave from him, and when he saw her at his feet, he said, ""Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
What are you in the press for today? Is it your marriage, your children, your future, your family, your body, your mind, your job, your healing, your finances or all of the above? No matter what you're pressing for today, I encourage you to CONTINUE. Don't give up now because the Bible says in Matthew 24:13 ~ But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Therefore, we must stand knowing that GOD sees our need and will come to our rescue. He will give us exactly what we need. However, we must align our minds to understand that HIS will be done, and not ours. HIS plan will be accomplished, and not ours. HE has the final say and HE is in control, not us. Let's trust him fully with our lives today, and every aspect of our lives for although the press isn't easy...it's so worth it!
He has us in his hands beloved...and he won't let us fall. Let's rest at ease and in peace.
