Press on Sample

PRESS ON

How many times in your life have you felt like you couldn’t take one step further, the road was too long, the hills were too steep, and the challenge too great? When we find ourselves defeated and distraught, relying on others is crucial. I saw a beautiful visual of this at a run I participated in recently.

I was six miles into a 20k trail run, climbing a short but steep hill, when an elderly man in front of me started to fall backwards. Fortunately, many hands caught him and pressed him forward until he made it to the top.

He didn’t seem upset or embarrassed by his stumble but gratefully received help from the people surrounding him. I was thinking about how this could have been so different had no one offered a helping hand. He would have fallen backward, and since the hill was steep, it would have created a domino effect. Like Jack and Jill, we all would have tumbled down that hill. Supporting him was both considerate and smart!

I would like to say that his stumble was an anomaly, but it wasn’t. Every time he tried to ascend a hill on his own, he would wobble and appear to be falling backward. He was unsteady and dependent on others to help him. However, with uncomplaining faith he pressed on toward the goal of the finish line. He was undeterred and never once mentioned quitting. By unashamedly receiving help from others, he became the Palo Duro rock star, surrounded by people taking turns putting their arms around him! I think quitting never occurred to him because he was never alone.

I got to see the good in humanity that day as I watched how community should be. During the trail run, one person couldn’t do it alone, so everyone took turns and participated in helping a fellow brother in need. His victory became all of our victories as we celebrated after seeing him cross the beautiful finish line.

We, too, have an eternal finish line we will cross someday. In the meantime, we can rest knowing we have a strong Savior who will never leave our side. His hand is on our back, pushing us when we need it, and when it gets too tough, He promises to carry us. By depending on the strength of Jesus and not our own, victory is secured.

PAUSE and REFLECT

• Don’t deny someone of a blessing by doing everything on your own. In what areas do you need help? God created us to need each other, so don’t be afraid to both ask and receive help from others.

• Do you have uncomplaining faith? If not, remember that what we complain about tends to get worse, and what we appreciate tends to get better.

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