Ephesians 3:12-14 says: 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul, in the midst of pressure from all corners of life, encourages us to press forward! At times it seems as if we have to struggle through things. When Paul uses the word, “press”, it literally means to toil forward. At times ministry, and life seems to be a toil! I’m sure you know where I am coming from. I have discovered in these toiling seasons to rest in the Lord, do what you can with what you have. Don’t live in condemnation in these seasons but rather forgetting those things which are behind. In the toiling season, I arm myself with belief! Belief that God will do everything he said he would do. Belief, that God is going to come through; getting us to the next chapter in ministry, and life.

Pressing forward in grace, and faith upward towards greater resources to affect more people for the gospel. Leaving things behind, so He can release new vision, new works, new people, new support, new breakthrough in saving souls for the kingdom! In the short toiling times I want to encourage you that God is retooling us and enlarging our hearts and resources to make a greater impact on this earth!

~ Chuck Lenhart