Whether To Press On Or Give Up
Twice this week during my daily five mile mountain hike, I have navigated conflicting elements forcing me to choose whether to press on or give up. Confronting frost and ice over the slippery moss covered edges on the road forced me to search out freshly laid salt/sand on the center yellow line. The new path involved a risk of oncoming traffic from our neighborhood mountain development. My next day’s hike ensued with pouring streams or deepening pools of water. I was forced to navigate new paths again that involved a risk of oncoming traffic. One of my neighbors stopped to comment on my dedication. With upcoming thyroid and cholesterol labs after several weeks of blissful holiday eating, not exercising isn’t an option.
Holy Spirit then brought to mind a series of original songs about virtues and character traits I wrote for a lyceum circuit with a storyteller I did many years ago. Specifically, the song, ‘Perseverance’ (as opposed to dedication), comes to mind. Prior to this prompting, Holy Spirit was speaking to me about wholeness: body (exercise, healthy food choices, supplements), mind (renewing my mind in His word), soul (transforming generational, emotional, and circumstantial aspects), and spirit (strengthening in His Presence). Wholeness in Him is what compels me every single day to press on rather than give up.
Philippians 3:14 (NASB), “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Jeremiah 12:5 warns us about not being able to run with the horses if we are worn out in the footrace.
Perspective for 2021
2020 inundated the entire world with obstacles and difficult choices. 2021 will continue to present obstacles and difficult choices specific to our pressing on or giving up. As sons and daughters of the Kingdom and the Bride of Christ preparing for His return, we are called to encourage, exhort, and comfort. Jesus said His disciples will be known by their love: not their political, religious, educational, ethnic, or any other affiliation or agenda.
We must learn encourage, exhort, and comfort one another in pressing on as a tangible demonstration of the power of the Kingdom. This is the power of the cross and the power of His Word that is sharper than any two edged sword. When we walk in the Truth of His love all of Heaven manifests on the path we navigate. The photos below of my three hikes this week speak mountains into the revelation I received and release.
Photos
Podcast and YouTube Versions
I have also recorded an enlarged version of this Blog on my podcast (See Podcast on this website) and on my YouTube Channel (a video). Both expound on Psalm 42:5 and 43:5, Psalm 8:2, and conclude with a Holy Spirit led holistic frequency infused instrumental piece in A444 Hz tuning. I was led to play in A 444 Hz specific to being attuned to the frequencies of the atmosphere of Heaven. It is the Spirit of Might who strengthens us for such a time as this.
