By: The Rt. Rev. Julian M. Dobbs
As we read the Bible there are many reoccurring themes that Almighty God uses to emphasize the importance of his word to us. One of those themes is press on, keep your focus on Christ and never give up. Consider the Apostle Paul writing to Christians in Philippi, “…One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14). I have found great encouragement from this reoccurring theme in the Holy Bible. It reminds me that no matter what lies in the past, no matter what missed opportunity, no matter what sin I have committed, God is here with me through the power of the Holy Spirit and I am forgiven in Jesus name pressing on
deeper into His will for my life.
Paul personally knew and understood the challenge of moving forward in faith. He writes of having a ‘thorn in the flesh’ that even after pleading with God three times to remove it, the thorn remained. Many scholars have attempted to determined exactly what this thorn really was, however what for me is the most arresting insight from this bible passage is that in the midst of his struggling, God reassured Paul that his grace is sufficient.
In the midst or our ongoing struggles, God’s grace is sufficient for us. It enables us to move beyond the struggle and press on deeper into his love for us. There is no need to give up – God’s grace is available to us!
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.