Pressing On

“Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it.”

Judges 8:4 

Press on, friend. The Bible is full of exhortations to press on no matter what the circumstances. Judy Rice presses on. She wrote me recently, “Joni, your daily devotional Diamonds in the Dust has become my constant companion as I sit in my nursing home and wait for breakfast. I have been in a wheelchair since 1965, having found myself with multiple sclerosis as a very young adult.” 

This woman lives in a nursing home, sits in a wheelchair, waits for her breakfast, and remains faithful in her daily devotions despite facing an uncertain future. Doesn’t her example strengthen your resolve to press on? 

The Bible makes much of sticking to it when it comes to living with unpleasant circumstances. 

In Judges 8:4 Gideon’s troops were exhausted. They were completely worn out, but they kept pursuing the goal. They ended up victorious in battle. The result? Greater glory to the Father. Then there’s Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Talk about someone facing unpleasant circumstances! The Lord says in Matthew 26:38-39, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death…My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” But Jesus presses on, saying, “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” The Lord persevered and obtained salvation for the world. The result? Greater glory to the Father. 

Judy Rice is fighting her own battles and praying her own prayers about cups of suffering passing her lips. Because she presses on by God’s grace, she’s in a class with Gideon—yes, even with the Lord Jesus, who welcomes her at his side. 

What battles are you facing? Whatever they are, draw encouragement from Gideon, the Lord Jesus, and Judy Rice…and press on! 

If today I feel as though I can’t go on, Lord, help me to press forward. Thank you for the examples of Gideon and Judy Rice. Most of all I’m grateful that in you I find more than an example…I find strength!