Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard stories from women and their “press on” experiences. We’ve heard their struggles and read about the ways God has proven Himself to be faithful. They have shared about prayer and its power in their lives. Scripture and community have also been pathways of strength and hope during these times. I want to personally thank these women for being transparent and sharing their struggles and successes. I want to thank them for being positive models of God’s goodness and grace.
As we end this series called “Press On,” I’m not naïve enough to think that we will actually stop having to “press on” and persevere in our circumstances. Life is hard. Challenges must be faced and met. So, I want to encourage you today and in the days ahead to continue pressing on by pressing into God.
Jesus said these words of comfort and assurance to His disciples in John 16:33:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.
In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart;
I have overcome the world.
In chapters 14, 15, and 16 of John Jesus had been speaking to His disciples about the Counselor, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Paraclete, Advocate, and Intercessor. All of these titles refer, of course, to the Holy Spirit. Jesus reveals this third person of the Trinity to His close followers, assuring them that they will not be left to continue their life of tribulation on their own, but rather will have His Spirit living inside of them as their helper.
I love the word “Paraclete.” The best translation I’ve found for that word is “called to one’s side.” To me, the connotation is that someone has my back. Hard times will come. The enemy will attack. Chaos and trouble will be evident. But the Paraclete—the very Spirit of God Himself—will remain at my side.
I say all of this to remind each of us that when we are pressing on, we have an advocate. We have the Advocate, in fact. We have the Helper. We have the Intercessor, the Counselor, the Comforter. We have the very Spirit of Truth in us.
That’s why Jesus could say to His disciples, “In this world, you will have tribulation, but …” In the midst of our troubles, our “press on” moments, we can take heart. If we are in Christ, the Holy Spirit of God—our Counselor, Advocate, Helper, and Guide—who has overcome the world and all of its trouble, will be by our side.
I pray this encourages you as you are pressing on. I pray you will stand firm, dear one. I pray that in all of your “press on” moments, you will press into Him.
Please let us know how we can pray for you and please join our Facebook Group and Instagram following. (Links are below). We’d love to “come to your side” on your daily journey by walking side by side with you through your week.
Don’t give up … keep pressing on!
Jacqueline
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