PRESS IN and PRESS ON

​ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus
Philippians 3:14

​We must learn the habit of pressing in to Jesus Christ at all times, in all matters.  No matter what trial, challenge, obstacle, fear or uncertainty we face, it is of paramount, crucial importance to press in to Christ.  

What does it mean to “press in”?  It means to desperately cling to Christ as we would cling to a lifeline or anchor on a stormy ocean.  Pressing in means making knowing Christ our first and foremost aim.  To press in means we need that vital relationship with Jesus to be maintained more than we need the air we breathe.  It’s more than making Christ a priority or giving Him an important place in our life.  It means giving Him the UTMOST and SOLE importance in your life.  It is giving Him ALL of us ALL the time.  We cannot imagine a moment without fellowship with Him.  We cannot imagine a life that isn’t devoted to wholehearted service to Him.  

To press in reveals that our first reaction to trials, hardships, doubts or challenges is clinging to Christ. As we follow Christ, we will encounter all of those, and more.  I ask you, what is your response when you face uncertainty or pain?  Do you run to Jesus with those doubts, fears and your pain?  Experiencing pain or having fears and concerns doesn’t indicate a lack of faith. It is what we do with those fears and concerns that reveal the condition and health of our faith.  We will all experience hardships and difficulties.  If we press in, we bring those hardships to Jesus FIRST.  We don't stress, worry or fret for days or weeks (even hours!) before we come to Jesus.  We come to Him first, and place those burdens at His feet, knowing there is no safer place to lay those burdens down.

Experiencing pain or having fears and concerns doesn't indicate a lack of faith. It is what we do with those fears and concerns that reveal the condition and health of our faith.

​Only after we have learned how to press in to Christ can we fulfill Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 3:14 to press on.  Paul writes, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  To press on we need faith, hope, wisdom and strength.  Pressing in through that vital relationship with Christ grants us all the faith, hope, wisdom and strength we need to press on.  Following God will be full of questions, uncertainties, disapproval or even disdain from others and pain.  To keep pressing on towards Him, we need to have the stability, strength and hope that will help us press on.  That strength only results from pressing in to Him.  God has specific calls on our life, but there is one calling that reigns far above all others; knowing Jesus Christ.  When Paul tells us to press towards the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ, what do you think the “high calling” of Jesus Christ is?  Personally, I think it is knowing and serving Christ.  Never place a specific calling to a place or job to become more important than the calling and privilege of knowing Jesus.  Callings have a specific purpose in our lives based on God’s Sovereignty and goodness, but they are never intended to be more important than Himself!

I encourage you today with this closing thought.  When the fears, challenges or pain threaten to discourage or dissuade you, press in to Jesus. Bring your pain, tears and doubts to Him, and ask Him to give you the faith and hope you need to keep pressing on as you press in to Him.  BeStrong!