Press Forward
We often say we are “pressing forward” in life, but I’m not sure we really understand the weight of this statement. One meaning in the free dictionary for press forward is described as continuing making progress (in something), especially in spite of some kind of difficult situation, a setback, or problem. We here in America like to be comfortable, to have ease, and aren’t too fond of things that are difficult. When we have a setback or problem, we sometimes look for a way out instead of trying to resolve it. We see this all to often in marriages, where when “the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” Learning to press forward is a great attribute to your character.
Goals
Often times in marriage you may have made some goals together only to find out your not any closer to reaching them than when you started. This can be so frustrating! Don’t give up, don’t quit, and don’t say forget it! This is not the end of the world, it’s just a set back. My husband and I have had goals, dreams, and plans that were put on hold, set back, or even just very difficult to deal with. We had to reassess, take a deep breath, and try again. It’s not easy, but giving up is not an option! Marriage is about commitment in all areas, even goals.
Commitment
You have to be committed to what you have set out to do if you ever want to accomplish anything in life. You can’t expect to set a goal in your marriage and achieve it tomorrow. It takes time to reach goals, so start small and be committed! Press forward even when there is resistance. We are committed to becoming debt free, this has been a long process with ups and downs, and there have been times we felt like quitting, but we didn’t! The next step took grit, and determination, and faith! We are so much closer to our goal now than ever before, but we had to do it one step at a time!
Baby Steps
Baby steps are pivotal when you have set goals for, or in, your marriage! You can run toward, and press toward your goals, but you still have to take one step at a time! So if it seems overwhelming to look at that mountain of debt, buying a home, finishing school, or any other big goal in your life, break it down into baby steps! You will be so much more successful if you do!! Write them down!!
Write Them Down
I know we discussed this last week in our blog for the new year, 2020 And Vision, but this is so important to succeed in your marriage goals. Science says 92% don’t achieve their goals. Why? They aren’t writing them down for one, they aren’t detailed for two, and they don’t do it on a regular basis for three. So how do you get in the top 8% who achieves their goals? You write them down, in detail, making them attainable, and do it more than one time a year. You look at them daily and press forward when things get difficult! Your marriage and the goals you set together are worth it! Pray over them!!
Diligence
Diligence is all wrapped up in hard work paying off! It basically means to give steady, constant effort to accomplish a goal! Do your due diligence! Find a way to track, and create ways to reach, and press forward in your pursuit of achievement! It has taken my husband and I years to discipline ourselves to do these core tasks! You don’t wake up one day and are diligent! So don’t get stressed thinking you can never measure up, take it one day at a time.
Start Now
My question for people who are struggling in life, marriage, or their walk, or lack of, with the Lord is, “Do you want your next 10 years to look like your last?” This a powerful and important question to ask ourselves and in our marriage! Start now, sit down with your spouse, pray, and press forward!! There is no time like the present! God has a great plan for our lives and it is only accomplished through pressing forward! He tells us in His word, which our marriages are based on, to press forward toward the mark! Seek Him today, and press forward!!
Prayer
Our prayer for you this week is that you start and take the first step! Press forward when things aren’t going right, and keep writing and reassessing your goals! Pray over them and be flexible to what the Lord is showing you! Make them attainable and detailed, but make sure you write them down! Praying for clarity and peace in your home as you press forward in even the toughest situations! Pray and seek the Lord and He will order your steps!
Scriptures
Monday: Philippians 3:13 says, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,” Pray God help you to forget and reach forth to press forward!
Tuesday: Philippians 4:12 says, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Pray God help you to memorize and live this scripture! Don’t quit press toward your goals together!
Wednesday: Psalm 31:24 says, “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” When you are committed and hope in God, He can strengthen your heart!
Thursday: Habakkuk 2:2 says, “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Write it down in detail and press forward in your marriage!!
Friday: Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Pray over and listen to the Lord for the goals you have written down together!
Saturday: Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Don’t get stressed just keep pressing forward!
Sunday: Philippians 3:14 says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” It all begins with seeking the Lord to press and run for the prize!
Contact
Please feel free to contact us at janene@happilyevermarried.org, and share or read other blog posts at http://happilevermarried.org
Thank you for investing in your marriage and you can have a happily ever married marriage too!!