DAY 9

Press On!

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. — Philippians 3:12
 
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:2
 

Jesus became man because He was desperate to communicate God’s love for each one of us, and provide a way of restoration in our relationship with the Father.  It required a focus on the joy that was before Him in order to endure the cross.
 
Paul says, “I press on” toward the prize—that being the completion of salvation in his life.
 
If Jesus and Paul faced obstacles and difficulties, don’t be surprised if in your quest to draw closer to the Lord, you face challenges as well.  How did they overcome?  By keeping in focus the reward of pursuing God’s ways as opposed to their own desires.
 
Guess what?
 
Jesus would do it all over again for you if that was what was necessary to bring freedom and breakthrough in your life.  It isn’t, but He would.  
 
God loves you just as you are (fasting or not), but too much to leave you as you are!