The Press!

 

The Press!

Pressed

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 New International Version (NIV)We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

In the midst of life’s transitions, I’ve moved from being a dynamic contractor to embracing a full-time mission, now balancing part-time contract work with an unwavering commitment to my spiritual calling. As the hymn suggests, ‘The things of earth grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace’…

My journey has been one of relentless effort—from the demanding schedules of college and national-level triathlon to the disciplined life required now. I’ve learned that I must yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, desperate for His presence, His voice, His direction. Otherwise, my self-imposed disciplines would overwhelm me.

Yet, when we commit to the highest calling in Christ Jesus, every human relationship is tested.

press

In my natural life, I’ve given everything; there’s no financial reserve left. Each day’s survival hinges on Jesus providing; there’s no Plan B.

And day by day, through each challenge, He has proven faithful.

Has it been brutal? Absolutely!

But has it been rewarding? To see nations transformed through prayer, to move multitudes with intercession, and to experience profound intimacy with Him, I must affirm, “YES!”

Though I’m financially depleted, in solitude with Him, I look at the stars He created, knowing He will honor this walk of faith. He will not only restore what I’ve given up but will multiply it, bringing both spiritual and earthly prosperity.

prosperity harvest

Misunderstood and criticized, perhaps, but I am consumed by One who truly satisfies, loving others more deeply while caring less about being loved or understood in return. As I find comfort in this utterance by Job spoken some many thousands of years ago: Job 36:11 KJ21
If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures

His voice, His presence, His Word are more than enough… yet, certain things are “as He wills”—His timing, His spiritual gifts, His appointments, His financial provisions. I believe, and fight for these in faith daily, but if they don’t materialize by day’s end, I trust Him to fulfill His promises in His time.

faith

In moments of doubt, I hear Him ask, “Are you still willing?” My reply is always, “Yes, Lord, strengthen me for the task, give me grace to bear the brutality of unbelief and the contest of wills around me.”

I resonate with Paul’s words, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19), and the promise of Habakkuk, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:3).

I am not a passive vessel of fate; I’m an active son, standing on His promises which He must fulfill, for God cannot lie.

What does faith look like when daily prayers seem unanswered, when it feels like heaven is sealed?

In our distress, the Holy Spirit comforts us with simple truths like, “Child, I love you, I hear your whispers, and I am with you, fulfilling what I’ve promised.” Or, “You have done my perfect will today.”

These words fuel my perseverance, echoing the experience of Joseph: “Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him” (Psalm 105:19).

I engage in aggressive spiritual practices—reading, praying in tongues, confessing faith—to keep my faith alive, strong, and my soul nourished with good teaching.

“As for God, his way is perfect… he is a buckler to all those that trust in him” (Psalm 18:30). I trust in Him, tried yet destined to become a vessel of honor, purged for the Master’s use.

Passionate love is worth pursuing… because God is love.

I share this, for your edification. For I know I am not alone in this journey. Others also fight for Gods promises to them.

Let’s pray:

“Father, I know You, and I hear Your voice. Help me not to shrink back or give up, but to bring You great glory through my faith. Strengthen me to obey completely, without compromise. Comfort me daily and equip me for my calling, in the name of Jesus. Amen.”