Press On To Victory
While I’ve often heard the terms “pressing in” and “pressing on” used to mean don’t, give up, this morning was the first time I searched the Bible to see what it says about it, and what I found was very interesting.
First, it was interesting to note that all of the terms like ”pressing hard”, “pressed all day”, “pressed” and presses” ALWAYS produced something good or a definite result. For instance, olives were pressed to produce oil to light the lamps, grapes were pressed to make wine, figs were pressed and used for sustenance, numerous battles were won by pressing on, and the woman with the issue of blood was healed when she pressed through the crowds to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.
Some of the most encouraging references about pressing are in Philippians 3, as the whole chapter encourages us to press on to victory in Christ!
The following verses are some of my favorites, and best illustrate why we have to press on to victory, no matter what obstacles we face in the natural realm, if we want our marriages to be restored.
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
That tells us that we have to press on toward the goal to win, and it is in the strength of Christ that we press on, knowing that our stand for marriage restoration is in accordance with His call on our lives.
Leviticus 24:2
“Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually.
That says that we have to press on and stand CONTINUALLY, which doesn’t mean some times we do and some times we don’t.
2 Samuel 11:25
David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Don’t let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.’ Say this to encourage Joab.”
This reminds us that either side can win in the spiritual battle now being waged against our marriages, so it’s important not to be upset by the circumstances and to press on to destroy every weapon Satan is using against us and our marriages.
Hosea 6:3
Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
How awesome this verse is! ALL we have to do is acknowledge the Lord and His power and might. Even when the circumstances arise to discourage us, we have to keep our eyes on Him and know ABSOLUTELY that He will show up and refresh us and meet our needs!
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
I’ve always thought of this only in terms of tithes, but when I read it this morning, it took on a whole new meaning, as the Lord showed me that this also applies to the measure of faith we use and the measure we use to press on. If you ever need a reason to press on to victory, this should do it!
Yesterday, Joyce Meyer started an awesome series on her TV broadcast about pressing in to a new beginning, which you can watch here Pressing In to a New Beginning. Joyce feels so strongly that this is one of her best series that she’s making it available for any size donation, so I’d encourage you to take the time to check it out. It’s been VERY good so far and she makes some very good points that can help anyone standing for marriage restoration.