Text: Phil 3:14
As believers, we are not at a disadvantage of any sort. If we could qualify it, we have the most advantage. We are not meant to struggle because there is already a provision for us in Christ. Every calling of God is a high calling. God wants us to be co-heirs with Christ. There is an invitation for every one of us.
Many are called but few are chosen. There is a call on your head. The concept of a call is not necessarily the pulpit ministry. Actually, the pulpit is the lowest place for ministry. The world is the stage for ministry. The work of the ministry is in the workplace. It is in the place of business and not necessarily on the pulpit. Matt 22: 11 – 14.
Even though God calls us, if we appear without the right garment, we will be sent back. Paul said I press towards the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ. There are responsibilities that you must rise and attend to. I press! I give myself a responsibility and wake up to it. God is looking from heaven. When you press, it means you are exerting some force against something.
Many of us are living our lives as if there is no heaven. The Saints of old are watching us, heaven is watching us and asking if we don’t know who we are.
How do we press?
- We press in righteousness: In 1 Corth 9:27, Paul said he puts his body under subjection. The basic foundation of Christianity is righteousness. Rom 8:1. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus that walk after the spirit. Heb 10:26. If we sin willfully, we choose to walk after the flesh and no more sacrifice for such. At the resurrection, the life of Christ was delivered to us hence our lives do not belong to us anymore but it is now Christ’s – 2 Tim 2:19. What do you do in secret? The power of righteousness has been given to us. We can dwell in righteousness and are advised to wear our weapons of armour – the bread plate of righteousness. Daughter of Zion, son of God, jumping from one bed to another will not help you. It will not. Press in righteousness. Whenever we go into sin, even when we return, we lose some glory, some saturation and we would need time to get to that level and your promotion will not come until we attain the previous level.
- Press in the ministry of prayers and the word – Acts 6:14. Jesus taught the disciples after his resurrection for 40 days. Little wonder why the disciples said – “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word”. To press and fulfil the call, prayer is a life for you. Paul could say he has finished the course because he was a man that was given to prayers. Isa 40:31- even the youth despite their physical strength can fall but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Concerning the matters of the kingdom, youthful strength does not carry much weight. We need the spirit of God and that can only come in the place of prayer. Create a timetable for prayers. There are new demons everywhere that are out to manipulate the younger generation and only in the place of prayers can we take control. God hears and answers when we call. He is waiting for us to call. It is time to pray as we have never done before. God does not use people based on their education or background. What he seeks is a humble heart and a love for him. The time has come for youths that will be locked on their knees and know the Lord. God doesn’t just use anybody. God wants to use people that are Obedient and breakable.
You’re not disadvantaged. It’s just that you’ve not pressed enough.
God uses the resources of Grace to sponsor men. You may not be educated but that does not mean God cannot use it. God raises people from the dunghill by grace. The grace that will sponsor you is still available. Go and look for that grace. Press for grace and when you find grace, life on earth will be meaningful. God is depending on you, will you fail him again?
Press in Prayer, Press in the word, Press in Righteousness, Press in Service. How do you bring up your children in this evil world without the help of God and effective prayer?
God bless you!