Press On

Another great devotion...What a devotion!!!!
PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14
13 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.

Believers face many difficulties. Trials. Adversaries. Doubts. At times we're all tempted to quit. The struggle seems too much, and we wonder if it's worth it to continue, to hold on to our faith when there seems to be no hope left. But there is a goal -- supremely worthwhile: life with our wonderful Lord. Not just existence, but intimate fellowship.
Fix your eyes on the goal -- God Himself -- and press on!
1 CORINTHIANS 1: 9 God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Please read the following verses slowly and thoughtfully.
1 PETER 5:7-107 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

Space does not permit much comment on these verses, but notice that suffering is caused by your enemy, the devil, and its purpose is to attack your faith. Also notice that God only allows you to suffer a short time.
"But," you say, "it's already been a long time." Not really. It seems like a long time when you are going through trials, but afterward seems like a short time. Even a few years is nothing when you look back on it. Ask God to help you see things from Heaven's perspective. "But why does God allow me to suffer at all?"
Because people make wrong choices. Conflict causes suffering. But God believes in you! Why should He yank you out of the arena? God believes that with His grace and help, you will overcome and experience victory. The end result is what really counts. God will make everything turn out alright. (Read verse 10 again.)
Maybe you feel like your faith is barely hanging by a thread. Just hang on. With God holding the thread -- and He is -- your faith will survive. You will make it! God will help you.
SAY THIS: I will press on with God. I will not quit or give up on my faith.