I finally got my bicycle out! We live on a ridgetop where the views are breathtaking, and pedaling the hills seems harder every year.
As I was riding along passing freshly plowed fields and starling cows in pasture with a loud “MOO!” (That always gives me a chuckle), the winds were picking up. The further I rode the more intense the winds against me. I pedaled harder and harder, barely moving at all.
Some days are like that. I push harder and harder, but it seems like I’m making little progress. The winds blow strong against me – physically, spiritually, culturally… Sometimes I feel I’m riding against the wind-weary and exhausted; ready to give up.
As I pedaled, the words to Mandisa’s “Press On” started playing in my mind, “One step in front of the other. I’m gonna press on, I’m gonna press on…”
Discouragement, Hopelessness, ISIS. Terrorism. The War Against Christians. Moral Decline in Our Nation. Powers of Darkness. Hatred. Turmoil.… All are reasons that we, as believers, need to press on. Press On even when the winds against us are strong; even when it seems we aren’t making a dent in the darkness; even when we are weary and feel like giving up. Press On.
Returning home is usually the easiest part, because I can coast down the last hill all the way to our driveway. This time, I felt it had been more of a battle than a bicycle ride and kept my eye on the crest of the hill ahead; looking forward to the moment I could just coast… As I reached the peak of the hill and started down the other side, I was hit by a strong crosswind. It actually pushed me and the bike sideways and I almost went down. I’m thinking, “This is supposed to be the easy part!” Then I realized, things may not be getting easier in the days ahead. The winds against us are growing stronger and we may be hit by unexpected crosswinds that try to knock us down, but through it all, we have a call and we need to Press On!
“…one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13,14
I pray that God will strengthen you today-whatever winds may be blowing against you. May you be encouraged to press on! ~darla