Forward

I have been thinking lately of Wisconsin’s motto. It is simply forward. Wisconsin chose this because it has a goal of being the top state in the nation. To do this, the goal is to be continually improving and moving in a forward direction.

We, too, should constantly be moving forward. Forward in our walks with Christ, with our relationships with family, and with education to better ourselves. So many times, I have been afraid to step out in faith instead of stay in the safe confines of what is familiar. Yet Proverbs 3:5-6 clearly says:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Paul also talks about running a race in Hebrews 12:1-2a:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Not only do we see the importance in this verse of casting off weights and sins, but also the importance of looking to Jesus as He is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. It can be so easy to remain in what is comfortable. To go through the motions of going to work, coming home, watching some television, going to bed, and repeating. To spend time with family on the weekends but not really change or advance over time.

What has God put on your heart to do that you know you should? Maybe it isn’t stepping out in faith but rather stepping out in obedience. This blog post is an example of this for me. After stepping away from working on this blog for seven years, the Lord prompted me to write this post.

If there is something on your heart to do, ask if it is good. Ask if it will glorify God. What you want may take effort, but simply making the effort and stepping out speaks volumes to others of the character within you. We are admonished in Colossians 3:23-24 that:
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.