Pressing On – Moving on Mojo

 

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You have (more than likely) heard of the old saying…

When the going gets tough…the tough get going

I hate that saying…of course the tough get going…because they’re …TOUGH!

 

They’re like hard-core Navy Seals or genetically engineered ninjas…tough, tough, tough. Of course THEY get going…whose going to stop them? So, I’m going to change this saying to something closer to home…how do these sound?

When the Going Gets Tough, Let’s Go Get Coffee!

Or

When the Going Gets Tough, trip the weak and run like crazy!

Or maybe it’s a lot closer (but not as catchy) to this…

When the Going Gets Tough, the weak rely on God to find the strength and the courage to move on.

That probably won’t catch on but I don’t think I have any trained Navy Seal, ninja-like folk reading my blog today. (If I do, I beg you, please don’t hurt me) The truth is that most of us haven’t been trained to be tough…but we all know what tough times are.

We need to press on

Pressing on means (according to the dictionary) to continue moving forward, plough on, push on, to advance…make progress. I tend to think of pressing on as grit your teeth, struggle to maintain balance, type of forward motion thing, but I think Paul has a better handle on what it means.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Philippians 3:12

The Greek meaning is…to pursue…to move quickly toward an objective, hasten, run, or "to chase." It’s strange but this word can also be translated this way…"to persecute.” The same zeal that Paul used to persecute the church he now uses to pursue Christ.

Paul is not saying…I have it all together…I got it made. No, what he’s saying is because of this relational pursuit of Christ towards me, I’m pressing on. Paul is talking about a pursuit that is greater than him. He was able to press on because he knows Christ…His story. How Christ set His face like flint, how He pressed on and fulfilled His mission. This is something deeply personal and real.

Pressing on is not about being ninja tough…it’s about relationship. It’s about making the (His) mission your own.

Pressing on, is easier when you recognize the mission, realizing you are part of His larger plan and purposes. The joy comes from giving ourselves (pressing on, pursuing) to something larger than us. Some of our greatest victories come from just “showing up” by being available to the calling of God, by the willingness to go on mission.

By pressing on…towards Him

“Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth." Hosea 6:3

How’s your pressing/ moving on mojo today?

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Comments

jasonS said…
I have been captivated by a similar thought lately and spoken it to our congregation several times: you can be in the worst of circumstances and still produce fruit. Your environment doesn't determine your fruit, your roots just have to go down deeper to find the water and nutrients. Nobody likes the tough situations, but it is no reason to shut down and give up. Press on! Good word, Jay. Thank you!
Jay Cookingham said…
Amen to that Jason! We need to encourage each other with that truth!
Trek23rider said…
This is a great AND important thought jay. I have been listening to Long Distance Runner today by DeGarmo & Key. The Christian life is a long distance run not a sprint. It requires pressing on. Well said my friend. .
Jay Cookingham said…
Vinatge GG&K...sweet! We do have to keep our eyes on the prize bro'!
floyd said…
Good stuff. I think the ones who know God personally through His son Jesus Christ in some ways have it tougher than the lost. We know truth they haven't found It yet or the have denied Him. That wisdom makes our road tougher, but it is His spirit that causes us to persevere. That over used word and the act of it is beautiful.


Pressing forward, persevering, staying determined, being steadfast, remaining resolute, forging ahead or whatever we call it. It is a gift from God. He uses these things of His chosen to change the world. The only people who have changed this world for the better in all of history are the ones who knew Him and pressed on...


I like this, it's inspiring. Thanks Jay.
TCAvey said…
I like the going to get coffee! Life is always better after a warm cup of coffee!

Seriously though, I've been coming to realize life and circumstances in it are not about me. While I like to focus on "me", there is so much more going on. EVERYTHING is about God and trusting in His ability to bring glory to whatever I am facing.

We have to get past "me" in order to press on like Paul is saying. That isn't easy. I know for years I had a mental knowledge of it, but it has only been in the past 4 years that I have been able to apply that knowledge. I haven't arrived at perfecting this, but at least I am starting to see the bigger picture.

Now back to my coffee...
Jay Cookingham said…
Coffee makes all things good! You insight is so right on TC, although difficult, we must press on past ourselves. Thanks!
Jay Cookingham said…
Your feedback is well spoken bro'. Knowing Him, pressing on...good traits for changing the world! Amen!

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