Tips For Triumphant Living -- Press On

The last three days I've mostly stared at the ceiling while flat on my back and under the influence of pain medication. This is not my first experience with a cranky back. Since an accident with a log truck in 1991 I've spent many days in bed when I'd rather be doing something more fun. I don't like it.

During these spells I go through a myriad of emotions--frustration, depression, anger, fear and sometimes even joy. I've been through enough episodes to know what to expect. And yet, I can't count on being gracious.

This time in the midst of my restrictive circumstances God graciously led me to some helpful verses. Philippians 3:12 - 13 says, "But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. O, dear brothers and sister, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing; Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

I've learned it does little good to sit in a puddle of self pity. And keeping my attention on my previous troubles is no better. I've got to look forward, remembering that God is not done with me yet. I have a race to run and God has given me the ability and courage to do it. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

God means to shape me into the likeness of Christ and that can't happen without obstacles to overcome. I can't learn to lean on and trust the Lord if there's nothing to trust him for.

Therefore, this week has been a struggle and it may continue to be so tomorrow and the day after, but I will press on. I will not look back, but I will keep my focus on what's in front of me. And I will continue to run the race.

We do not run alone, therefore let's do our best to run well.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie Leon