Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind me and reaching forth to the things which are before I press toward the mark of a higher calling of God in Christ Jesus Philippians 3:13.

When I look at that scripture, I can't help but think about my life down through the years. I am past seventy years of age and as I think back, I recall that times were very tough for me. There were many times it didn't seem like I would make it. I wouldn't have if I didn't press my way through.

I understand what the apostle meant when he writes pressing toward the mark. Life is filled with ups and downs, more now than in past times when I grew up. I look at my grand and great grandchildren growing up in our world today, and all I can do is pray. Things are going on now that were unheard of in my generation. Many times I'm asked, "How do people make it to 70 and beyond?" I reply by saying, "They press their way through."

Pressing through is not a new thing; it was the method by which the prophets and followers of God made it through in Biblical times. Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Ruth, Naomi, Paul, and the lists goes on. These all made it by pressing their way through. It was such a task for Paul to make it, that he devoted an entire chapter to it in his letter to the church at Philippi. Even in jail, this man knew what it meant to press through.

As our heavenly example, Jesus instructs us after having done all to stand, stand therefore. People, the last part of that (the "stand therefore") involves pressing through. I look at young people today committing suicide because of life's struggles, and I think to myself, "They were not familiar with pressing." It takes more of oneself to press. It takes work and effort; two things people are not willing to do. We have to work at surviving and living in this world. It takes double effort to do it for the sake of Christ, but He instructs us to stand anyhow.

I am involved in several ministries: outreach, food distribution, and caring for the sick and disabled in the facility in which I live. Believe me when I tell you about having to press through. There are times when I don't want to move. Getting up in the morning is a task for me sometimes. I also walk and do stair exercises (climbing anywhere from 6 to 9 flights of stairs as part of a daily exercise regimen). So trust me when I say that I know what it is to want to just lie down and do nothing. I also realize that in order to be in good physical shape and to be "heart-smart," I have to do my laps and stairs.

Now, don't go back and say Sister Brown said that I need to climb stairs, work with ministries and do laps to make it. This is what works for me. You will have to seek God for what will work for you, but whatever He gives you to do, I can assure you that in order to give it your best, you will definitely have to press.

Standing up and doing a work for God involves self denial, sacrifice, and a willing spirit. There will not be many rewards, but we must keep our eyes on the prize (that higher calling the apostle Paul mentioned). Many times I get home after a long day and all I have is tired feet, hunger pains, and body aches. I don’t get a thank you, I appreciate it, nothing!

But I get right back up the next day and the journey begins again. If I were waiting on the thank you's, I would have quit long ago. But I understand what it means to press your way through. I know it will take all I have to make it happen, but I must be willing to stay in fight.

People, as you journey from day to day, remember pressing through is not easy; God didn't say if would be, but what He did say is that He will never leave, nor forsake you. Trust Him at His word and press your way through.

By Naomi J. Brown