4 minute read
Pressing On
from June 2020
by Robert Leamon
Philippians 3:12-13 says, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 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.” Paul makes it very clear here in these verses that he had not arrived but was still very much in the race of the Christian life: “forgetting those things which are behind,” whether it’s sin that might overwhelm and try to hold him back or even good things that might cause one to rest on their own accomplishments. Or it may be fear welling up inside of one’s heart, thinking they are not worthy to be or do whatever God is calling them to do.
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There are so many things to prevent one from living their lives to their fullest potential, but there is still hope, strength, and courage for the child of God. God gives everything we need to fight the good fight, to spread the Gospel, and to protect ourselves and those who are weak. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul tells us to put on His whole armor (not our own) so that we will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. He goes on to say we are not fighting a physical war. We are fighting a spiritual battle, and we need His strength and His armor so that we can stand and fight against anything that comes against us. He tells us to have our loins girded with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. He also states in verses 16-18, “and above all taking the shield of faith, so that we can quench the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God: Praying always in all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching with perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
There is a war (a fight), and if you are a child of God, then you are in it, so stay focused, prayed up, studied up, and above everything else, remember that God is God and we are not. Even though the war is won, the battle rages on, so it is up to us to press on and trust that God is in the midst of it all, working everything out to the good of those who love Him. Remember there is victory in Jesus Christ.
Robert Leamon is a local martial artist of 38 years. During his career he has had the privilege of training with a variety of instructors versed in multiple styles of the martial arts. Robert, together with his wife Lisa, stepped out on faith and founded Christ Centered Martial Arts (CCMA) in 2008. He is the chief instructor of CCMA and they have a main dojo (karate school) located in Rocky Face, Georgia, and another dojo in Chatsworth, Georgia. Robert and Lisa are very involved with their home church Emmaus Baptist as well as teaching an AWANA’s elective karate class at a couple of other area churches. CCMA’s web address is www.ccmartialarts.com.
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