“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 KJV

As I sit and write this word, I am reminded of an iconic scene from the movie, “Facing the Giants”, which made its debut in 2006 by Alex Kendrick. In this movie, there is a scene in which the coach was challenging the star player to ‘give him his very best’ during a football practice session. He was then blindfolded and told to carry another team player on his back to perform ‘the death crawl’ for half the length of the football field. As the exercise began, the coach was walking beside both players, guiding them and encouraging them to press forward. After several yards of advancement, it was becoming obvious that exhaustion was quickly setting in for the star player. At this point, the coach started to change his encouraging words and tone to that of a military drill sergeant! He was on his knees with the players, beating the ground and yelling, “DON’T QUIT! DON’T QUIT!” For the star player, the pain and agony of this exercise was intense, but he powered through the pain because the words of his coach were even more intense! Blindfolded, He was able to focus on the words of his coach and give his very best! After collapsing from sheer exhaustion, the tired and weary player removed his blindfold only to see that he had made it all the way to the endzone!

PRESS FORWARD AND DON’T QUIT

I hear the Lord saying to His people, “DON’T QUIT! DON’T QUIT! You are right on target! Do you feel battle weary? DON’T QUIT! Are you on the verge of fainting? DON’T QUIT! Are you questioning the choices you made from years past? GO FORWARD AND DON’T QUIT! You are right on target! Push through the darkness and the fog! Renew your hope! The blindfold is about to be removed and you will see that your breakthrough is much closer than you realize!”

“This is not the time to be on the sidelines, but rather to get involved! The evil and the darkness is terrified of you, O mighty Warrior! Press in and press forward! Step where I say to step, go where I say to go, move when I say to move, pause when I say to pause! I am orchestrating a mighty movement on this day and in this hour! I am about to change the very landscape of your life and the landscape of your nation! Promises from years past are about to come full circle!”

“Is My hand too short to handle your perceived mistakes and setbacks? Your journey has NOT been in vain! If I can create the whole universe with My words, then I can surely lead and guide you amidst the unexpected twists and turns of your life! Nothing has been lost, nothing has been wasted! My goodness outshines the darkness. You will now see it and you will testify of my goodness for generations!”

“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.” Revelation 3:8 NLT