Moving Forward
Posted by Danielle Street on Oct 25, 2012 in Blog | 24 comments
My six year old son joined a soccer team for the very first time this season. Despite his team losing the first game, he was still happy to have been given the chance to participate in the fun sport. However, one game lost soon turned into being defeated by seven more teams. Lack of motivation to continue the sport began entering my son’s mind and his passion for the game started to weaken in his heart.
Although it saddened me to see my precious son have to go through this trial, the Lord reminded me that this was an awesome opportunity for both of us to grow emotionally and spiritually. As I encouraged him to pray with me and read God’s Word to help us cope with the disappointment, we began to have an eternal perspective on the situation and my son was rewarded with strength to press on.
This temporary world may sometimes give us pain, grief, and hardship. I learned we will succeed in moving forward together when we continue to lift our eyes up to our Savior and shelter ourselves with His eternal promises. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
How has God helped you gain endurance, perseverance, and strength to continue following His plan for your life? When you face trials, which verses have given you hope to press on? How are you helping others to move forward in their lives?
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I know for myself, when it comes to moving forward in my life there are a few steps I need to take to make important decisions and continue to follow God’s call. In Proverbs 15:22 it states, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” So first I need the counsel of other believers. Wise leadership always seeks advice but many of us hate to admit that we need to be taught. In my experience God seems to do his best work through a group of people rather than by a “lone wolf.” Seldom does the “one-man-show” prove to have lasting success. More than one is needed to provide long-term goals, encouragement along the way, and proper evaluation of what is being accomplished. So for me, this is why I feel it’s extremely important to be involved in a small group to have forward progress in life.
Then I’m led to another verse, Psalm 143:5: “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” So secondly, I need to look back and see where I’ve been, and how God has worked in my life before I can move forward. This involves finding out how I need to change. We can become such masters of illusion that we sometimes fool ourselves into thinking we are doing ok. We tell everyone else how great we are doing and we start to believe it ourselves. Now there may be nothing wrong with that if we are really starting to do fine and not just harboring and hiding sin. But we have to acknowledge our flaws and our faults. We have to admit we aren’t perfect. We do things wrong. Sometimes we don’t even realize, or can’t stop. We have to acknowledge; and ask forgiveness. And then we have to make the effort to move forward and do things differently.
I’ve learned that all these things and more will foster a greater ability to move forward in our lives, and see God more clearly each day so that we can be sure we are in His perfect will.
It’s very comforting to know that we don’t have to move forward in life alone! Thank you, Josh, for reminding us that it’s important to invest in our relationship with God and others. The Lord will often give us the strength to press on by placing special people in our lives to pray for us and help us take the necessary steps to move forward and gain an eternal perspective.
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
The Lord says in Romans 5:3 “…but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulations worketh patience: vs 4 And patience experience; and experience hope.” vs 5 And hope maketh not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” I have learned through my trials that they are not for nothing, God has a plan for me, to help me change and to grow. I have learned also by these experiences to put my faith in God and wait for Him to help me. When I try to do everything in my own power and strength I find I become tired, defeated and up against a wall. I just tell the Lord how I feel and cry unto him prayer. God cares about every little detail in my life as found in Psalm 139, I cannot flee from His presence, He knows my very thoughts, His hand shall lead me and His right hand shall hold me. It also states that when I feel the darkness will cover me that the night shall be light about me. God is always with me even when I don’t feel His presence. Things in life can get pretty hectic and overwhelming and you may feel consumed by it but we can learn to trust God and know He will get us through. Praying the very scriptures and just reading them can give you strength then hope. Also God can provide strength and hope through others who He sends our way in just the right time of need. Some dear friends who stand alongside us and grieve with us or encourage us can go a long way to help us to endure trials and get through even the day. I pray that the Lord will help me to do the things he prompts me to encourage others that are hurting. The Bible says “Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
All in all not matter what life brings our way, we do not need to fear because we have a blessed hope of eternal life to look forward to, a life in heaven to be with our Lord.
I love what you wrote, Joanne. This statement stood out to me: “I have learned through my trials that they are not for nothing. God has a plan for me, to help me change and to grow.” Through difficult trials, it’s not easy to have that outlook. Thank you for reminding us we can go to our Heavenly Father and cry out to Him to help us. I agree. Sometimes we may not feel God’s presence, but He promises us in the Bible to never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you also for reminding us we don’t need to fear. What amazing eternal perspective to have when we endure pain and hardship!
“…God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’ ” (Hebrews 13:5).
Danielle,
This is a great reminder that we in life need to “press on” whether in small things like soccer seasons or towards bigger life goals. The Lord has great plans for us, and He enables us to do great things for Him! My husband Bill and I started this Camden Children’s Benefit Concert Ministry three years ago after a long time burden had been placed on my heart for the people and especially the children living in the dangerous and poverty stricken city of Camden. For years before I think God had been calling me to do something, but maybe I wasn’t listening clearly because I wasn’t sure what. I knew I felt a sadness for these children, and I knew I wanted to help but how? The spark first came after a friend of ours , who is a teacher in Camden, put out a plea for people to buy coats for poor children, who had been coming in to school on bitter cold days without any. This saddened my heart. He also said there were several families who were evicted from their homes and living in hotel rooms who had no gifts to give their children , and they were also in need to some clothing. That first year , before our concert was born, we joined with some friends, and church family to put together several coats , clothing , and presents for these families. It was amazing to feel this sense of “Yes Lord! This is what I want to be doing for you!”. The following Fall, my husband and I decided to put our love of Camden’s children and my love of music together. I have for a long time loved playing music, but aside from the occasional musical piece I played in church, I rarely used this gift for the Lord. We also have several other talented musician friends who dove into this challenge head first and joined us on stage to present that very first benefit concert! I remember closing out that show, and speaking to the crowd that had gathered to watch it, and I couldn’t hold back the tears! I felt so moved to be doing what I loved, something I knew would make a difference for these kids. So now, this coming December we will have our third Camden Children’s Benefit Concert and this one has an amazing list of performers. The Lord just keeps snowballing this into a bigger and bigger event each year and I am thrilled to see where He is taking us! And that is how we are “pressing on” for the Lord’s cause. Many days the planning of this show is exhausting, with calls to radio stations and newspapers to promote it, and calls to musicians, and e mails, and calls to the schools and programs in Camden that we will be helping, plus the hours of musical practice as well. Things can certainly feel tiring and daunting, but God keeps calling us, ” Don’t give up! I have great plans in store!”
Secondly , we are helping kids “press on” because we are giving them hope and love and showing them they are not forgotten. We work with public schools in Camden as well as with a wonderful program called “Camp Peace” at Fellowship House in South Camden. It is run by wonderful people who love these kids , and who love the Lord! They run a summer program, and a year round after school program , to help keep kids safe when their parents are not home . They teach children Bible lessons, give them healthy snacks, offer homework tutoring, friendship, and a safe place to play with other kids.I can not say enough great things about the work they are accomplishing in Camden! Last year the children at Fellowship House were going to be given toys from another church, but Lisa Mc Kinney , the children’s director there, said they were in need of clothing ,gloves, hats, Bibles, devotional books, body wash, tooth paste, toothbrushes, and books they could read at home just for fun. (Many children in Camden do not own a single book at home to have a bedtime story or practice reading.) So we stepped in, and by God’s grace we we able to help 80 children in Camden just last year alone! I feel like this will help these kids move forward even more toward’s God’s plan in their lives by just knowing there are valued, and being able to have the tools to help them grow spiritually as well as their physical needs.I am amazed by God’s work, and feel thrilled to be a part of it! We will also be bringing in a team in early December to volunteer at Fellowship House’s after school program, because I want to meet these precious little ones, and get to know them, and not just simply help them once a year. SO move forward and press on towards your goals and God ‘s plan for your life, and He will do great things!
Just a note: Our show is a free show with donations at the end!
The show will be held on Sunday November 25th at 6:00 pm
and will take place at Immanuel Baptist Church in Maple Shade
NJ. The church is located on the corner of Main Street and
Poplar Avenues. Please the call the church office with any
questions at 856-779-1807. Thanks!
Shannon, I’m so glad you shared on this topic and related it to the Camden Childrens Benefit Concert! I loved reading the story behind how you followed God’s call and became involved in this fantastic ministry! Praise God! I used to teach in Camden at Sumner Elementary School. My heart goes out to the children there. I listened to many children share with me that they heard gun shots at night and that they had family members in jail. I admire all the wonderful programs and fundraisers you provide for the kids in Camden!
I’m going to pray right now for you, this ministry, and this Benefit Concert. May the Lord continue to give you the strength to press on and follow His plan!
This is one thing I happen to know a whole lot about…perseverance. I was just telling a friend today that sometimes this “struggle” I have, this thorn in my flesh is just plain exhausting. But…then remember Jeremiah 29:11…For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Who knew that my lifelong struggle with eating disorders and weight issues would have me in the place I am today- coaching others to change their lifestyles. Who knew? God knew. He knew that with each struggle I went through I would learn another thing necessary to make the changes (mind you, I am still making those changes daily!) needed to persevere and learn all that God had to teach me. I think of my struggles as pieces of a puzzle. Each one I learn from adds another piece to this beautiful picture that I will one day be able to see in eternity. Although days like today…when I struggle with my own weight/self esteem issues and wonder how on earth can I be a leader for Made to Crave, how on earth can I help people learn to lose weight and change their lifestyles..when I don’t have it all together myself??? If I had it all together, I wouldn’t need the Lord, and that would be a very sad thing. So thank you dear Lord for not fixing me…yet;) Beautiful post as always Danielle:) xoxo
Thank you so much for sharing your heart, Shelley. May you continue to use your experiences to help others. It’s not easy to take time from our busy schedules and write down what God is teaching us. I pray continuously after each blog entry that the Lord will give people the courage to comment. I love your example of looking at each struggle as a piece to a puzzle! Such a beautiful way of thinking! I also struggle with similar thoughts of not feeling qualified to be a leader and worthy enough to encourage others to mature. I’m still learning about the topic and don’t have it all together either! However, the Lord keeps tugging at my heart to share about the topic of emotional and spiritual growth. I love how you explained it, “If we had it all together, we wouldn’t need the Lord and that would be a very sad thing.” It’s during those struggles and trials where we can really allow God to mold and transform us into something beautiful! Thank you, Shelley! xoxo
Every day I am reminded of my weakness to endure in my own strength in so many areas of my life. Being abandoned and left as a single parent is one of the biggest daily battles I struggle to endure and not throw in the towel giving up in defeat. Yet it is in my weakness that I have discovered that there is strength in and through God and when I turn to Him to find it, he never fails to provide the strength and or encouragement needed. I find myself amazed with the different ways God will provide encouragement in times of trial or darkness. It may be through scripture, music, words of a friend and sometimes something as simple as something someone has posted on their facebook page. I have also noticed that I will hear the same thing from different sources during my search for wisdom and peace and I know that is God revealing himself to me. Endurance becomes a decision I must consciously make to trust and not doubt God’s promises. James 1 tells us not to live in doubt when we ask God for wisdom that we must believe and not be like a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. We are not to be double minded. So when I feel Satan wispering thoughts of defeat, and he does constantly, I must purposely choose to reject his lies and stand firm on Gods promises. Psalms 23 has become more than words on a page to me, it became a life line of hope to me while I went though the loss of my marriage and since than I claim it in any and all trials I face. It helps me to move forward from the dark places I find myself in from time to time. When I come to verse 4 I name my trial in place of the word “death”. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of…(ex. my son being arrested) I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and staff they comfort me.” I choose to endure all this world hands me because of Jesus’ love for me and my love for him as well as for the promise found in verse 6 of Psalms 23, “and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. Every day is a battle to keep moving forward but it has so many rewards to it if we just open our eyes to them. God’s love never fails! =0)
Amen! Powerful words, Janet. Thank you for having the courage to share how God has helped you move forward in life during your trials. Your testimony is going to touch many people’s lives. It’s amazing how God can speak to us through scripture, music, and people. He always knows exactly what we need to hear and read. I love how you mentioned we need to make that choice to trust Him and not doubt His promises. I agree. The enemy can feed us many lies and God’s Word is our sword. I am so thankful His love endures forever and never fails. You’re right. God’s amazing, perfect love helps us move forward and press on!
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).
I just wanted to add to my wife’s post: the concert website is: http://www.camdenchildrensbenef.wix.com/concert
and the facebook event calendar is:
http://www.facebook.com/events/371876249561545/
I hope you and your family can make it.
Thanks for praying, we sure need it.
Great! Thank you! I talked to my mom this evening and she was interested in going with me to the concert.
Hi Danielle,
It took me a while to learn to look at life’s challenges, injustices and disappointments as God’s training ground. It was especially difficult, as you point out, to see it in the lives of my children. Now I see that God seems to use the very areas of their lives that I once saw as their weaknesses. In the struggle the weaknesses became strengths. That shouldn’t surprise me, for God worked like that all through Biblical history. When we are weak, He is strong! (And I still need to remind myself of that often!)
May The Lord work great strength out of your son’s current challenge!
Judy
Praise God! When we are weak, He is strong. Judy, thank you for reminding us of this. I agree. I often need to be reminded that God can use the pain our children experience to help mold them into what He wants them to be. Then I pray that I can model for my children how the Lord wants me to respond to trials. It’s not easy! May we all strive to be like Christ and be great examples to the next generation!
Hello, Danielle.
This is a great post. It’s a great reminder that winning isn’t the only goal when playing the game. Learning new skills, teamwork, encouraging others, endurance, faith, etc are all things that we can learn by playing a sport. Those things are just as important (if not more so) than which team has the higher score at the end of the game. I’m so happy to see that it turned out to be an overall good experience for him (and for you!).
Have a great weekend!
Carrie
I agree, Carrie! I’m so glad you commented and shared this. You listed wonderful skills that are needed to build healthy relationships. My son has another soccer game tomorrow. The season is almost over. I pray that I can continue to encourage Him to focus on enjoying the journey instead of just the end result. Have a blessed weekend!
This is such a beautiful post, and serves as a great reminder to press on and follow God, no matter what trials we may face. I am always so touched and humbled when I see children who turn to the Lord with their problems and sorrows. How many times do I find myself complaining to others or ranting to God, when really I should be holding fast to His promises, so clearly outlined in the Bible.
Thank you for the reminder to seek God in everything. Before I become irritable and frustrated, I should focus on trusting Him and remaining confident that He has a plan for me, even amidst my pain.
Amen! Thank you, Kate. Great stuff! I can relate to what you wrote. I’m guilty of complaining when faced with challenges and difficult trials. I often need to be reminded to trust God and rely on His promises. That’s why I love being a part of a body of believers. We can all encourage, pray, comfort, and help one another. May we all continue to seek the Lord, grow, move forward together, and follow His plan for our lives!
I’m so glad that you used this experience to teach your son how to navigate life’s disappointments and sorrows. SO often as parents we try to protect our children and shield them from all pain. Life is hard and our challenges are wonderful opportunities to draw close to God. Our culture is focused on this world and what we can gain from it. As parents we must teach our children to live counter cultural lives and fix our hearts on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Eternity is written on our hearts. He promises to be with us, near us and never leave us. In our disappointments, heartaches and challenges He is our portion.
Love what you wrote, Theresa! Amen! Your’re right. Our challenges and trials are wonderful opportunities to draw close to God. During difficult times, we have a choice. We can either turn towards God and gain eternal love and wisdom, or we can turn towards temporary things that will still make us feel empty and lonely. Thank you for reminding us we need to teach our children how to fix their eyes on Christ. All this will help us gain unity as a body of believers and we can move forward together in becoming strong men and women for God’s kingdom.
Our mighty God was there for me during a most difficult and painful trial in my marriage. He used this time in my life to show me “grace” and opened my eyes to the “freedom” and healing powers of “forgiveness”. The Lord was by my side every step of the way pouring out peace as I persevered through this trial. I learned that people will say and do hurtful things to you that you do not deserve but that if you keep your eyes on HIM that HE will take care of it all. And that is exactly what happened when I surrendered my marriage and life to God. From that point on, I was “born-again”. He opened my heart and showed me how to forgive. My husband’s heart was changed and my marriage was restored to an even greater level. Praise God!
A verse that God kept showing me was Jeremian 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. It was my first bible verse to memorize and I still use it today in my daily life.
I share my story with others because I know my struggle was a part of God’s plan for me and my family. It always amazes me how God puts people in my life and how I have been able to help others going through the same struggles in their marriages. God is so good! Thanks Danielle
Yes! God is good! Tracey, thank you very much for sharing this. You’ve gained a significant amount of wisdom through this trial and I’m so glad you are sharing it with others. I’ve found forgiving someone who hurt us deeply is not easy, especially if it’s our spouse. I love how you reminded us to fix our eyes on our perfect Savior and He will show us how to forgive. In our relationships with people, I’ve discovered it’s a continuous process of asking to be filled with the Spirit and learning what steps God wants us to take to forgive. As a result, we will be rewarded with tremendous wisdom, peace, love, joy, and maturity. Then we will have the strength to press on and move forward!
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
Good reminder, Danielle
its been really hard for me at times to continue with my goal of doing music and missions work. It seems impossible sometimes to get where I feel like I’m supposed to be.. but ive been so blessed through the journey of not always getting where I want to be when I want to be! Ive been able to encourage other people and help them remember things like this through my music, which has been so cool to see. It keeps me going to remember why I’m doing my music in the first place (just as it reminds your son why he plays the game!!)
Hi Allie! Thank you for posting a comment and sharing your thoughts on the topic of moving forward. That’s wonderful you are using your music and your journey of waiting on the Lord to encourage others to press on. May you continue to follow God’s call and use your gifts to glorify God!
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various” (I Peter 4:10).