Phillipians 3:12-14  ‘Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,. 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’

• DAILY READING  1 Corinthians 10; 2 Kings 3; Amos 8

During the European exploration of Africa in the 19th century, Dr. David Livingstone became synonymous with braving the wilds of Africa to bring the Gospel to the continent. Dr. Livingston knew he had been sent by God as a light bearer to the dark continent; he knew he had an assignment to blaze a trail that many others will follow. Therefore despite the many challenges he faced, he never gave up on his quest. He kept pressing forward deep into the heart of Africa.

On one of his missionary trips to Africa, Dr. Livingstone had a famous encounter with a lion that almost cost his life. This was while he was in Mabotsa. Lions were numerous in this locality, and the villagers were terrified. Dr. Livingstone felt he had to do something about the situation. He knew that if he could kill one of the lions, the others would flee. So, taking his gun and telling the people to bring their spears, he led the villagers on a lion hunt. Seeing an enormous lion behind a bush, he aimed and fired both barrels. While he was reloading, the lion suddenly sprang toward him. The lion caught him by the shoulder and they both came to the ground together. Seeing several natives approaching to attack, the lion sprang upon two of them, biting one in the thigh and the other in the shoulder. But at that moment the bullets the great beast had received took effect and he fell dead. Dr. Livingstone had eleven tooth marks as permanent scars and the bone at the top of his left arm was crunched into splinters. However God delivered him from death and brought healing and restoration. His action to risk his life to defend the natives, earned him a lot of love and respect from the villagers. And made them further willing to listen to his Gospel message.

Likewise the apostle Paul faced many challenges in his life and service for the Lord. In 1Corinthians 15:32, apostle Paul said after the manner of men he had  fought with beasts at Ephesus. He also talked about being imprisoned, beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, threatened by robbers, often hungry and thirsty, at times cold and naked, and betrayed by false brethren…Yet despite all these challenges Paul wasn’t deterred, he kept pressing forward until he finished his course well.

In Phillipians 3:12-14  Paul said ‘Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’

Likewise we must keep pressing forward despite the challenges we may face. In the journey of destiny everyone faces difficulties at one time or the other. However, anything worth achieving will always have obstacles in the way. A road without obstacles probably leads nowhere. History has demonstrated that the every notable achievement has always encountered great challenges. But the winners are those who  refused to be discouraged by their defeats, rather they kept pressing forward with the vision.

When God calls us to an assignment He also goes with us. And though we may face challenges we should always remember that He is ever with us. In Isaiah 43:2 God says ‘When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.’

When God is with us, we are assured of victory. We are more than conquerors through Christ. Therefore let us see every difficulty as an opportunity for manifestation of God’s strength.

No matter what you face, know that you are greater than the situation. You have the DNA of Almighty God, this means you can do all things through Christ. Let us rather see challenges as coming to make us better and stronger. Everything that happens is designed to help us grow, even if sometimes it seems hard to see at the moment.

If you keep pressing forward, one day you will look back and see how each setback played into God’s master plan for your life. Trust that indeed God is working out all things for your good.

Therefore keep moving forward, knowing that what is in your future is greater than what is in your past. Don’t grow weary.  Keep believing and keep expecting.  Switch over into faith by coming into agreement with God’s Word. Keep praising God for his faithfulness and watch Him turn your trials into triumphs.

PRAYER:  Father in heaven, thank You for giving me strength to overcome every obstacle in life. I choose to rejoice no matter what comes my way, because  I know You are working all things together for my good in Jesus’ name! .

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When God places His hand upon a man in life nothing can come against him, this is because the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK FAITH CLASSICS]