Press on in perseverence

"...whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.

But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water

springing up into everlasting life." ~ Jesus as quoted in John 4:14

On our drive down into town there is a place in the road which has been resurfaced numerous times. It isn't because of wear and tear from traffic on the road, but rather because of a natural spring that pushes its way through the asphalt. No matter how many times it gets filled in and covered up, the force of the small spring continues to make its way through the barrier to the surface.

I love it.

Seeing it helps me remember to remain tenacious in the journey. It reminds me to remain centered in the Lord's provision, pressing on in His strength, and not my own. It serves as a visual lesson of caution of the snares and cares of life that the enemy of our souls, and the prince of this world will throw onto the path. He will use whatever he can to distract, trying to prevent us from accomplishing the work the Lord has for us to do. It takes a mindset of determination and a right focus to stay the course, in spite of obstacles and barriers. It means taking my eyes off the hindrances and keeping them fixed on Jesus.
I must continually refresh myself in God's word and stand on His promises, undeterred by the problems that arise, fully dependent on Him to lead me to victory.

God has promised to never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) We can follow Him with confidence, no matter where He leads, because He is faithful and true. We can trust Him, even when the way seems narrow and difficult. Years ago when I was leading a ladies Bible study I used the example of  putting on "spiritual blinders" to help keep our eyes fixed on the path the Lord lays before us. Much like horses that have blinders on their halters so as not to get spooked or distracted by things along the road, we must guard ourselves against the enemy's attempt to get our attention.

We were not assured ease, comfort and pleasure in uniting our lives with Jesus, but given assurance that He will not leave us. "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18 His peace will always be available. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you." John 14:27  The Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us to do that which we've been called to do, granting us the tenacity necessary to complete the journey.

So press on in perseverance dear friends. Determine to keep your eyes on Jesus, no matter what, and don't become distracted or side tracked by the obstacles and barriers the enemy may throw in your way. Ask the Lord to give you clarity and courage. He is faithful and will always answer.

"And I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish: or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion: If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

~Jesus as quoted in Luke 11:10-13