Ernest Shakleton was an early twentieth century English explorer who set out on an expedition to cross the continent of Antarctica from sea to sea. While the team was there, the ship, appropriately named “Endurance,” became trapped in pack ice and was crushed, thus causing them to have to spend the brutal winter there.
Shakleton encouraged them to press on and endure their difficulties. Every member of the crew survived the winter and returned home safely. His leadership skills are modeled even today. Perhaps Shakleton had read the writings of Paul, who in Philippians, encouraged those at Philippi to press on toward the goal for which “God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
If anyone had a reason to be discouraged, it was Paul. He lived and traveled under difficult circumstances. Paul knew that, no matter what happened to him, he would eventually see the face of Jesus. So he pressed on, and even in his jail cell awaiting execution, he wrote to encourage others to do so as well.
How about you? As you travel through life, be an encourager for yourself and to others. Press on to that glorious day when you will personally see the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Father, help me to see your perspective on every situation in life, no matter how tough it gets. Help me to press on to the upward calling of eternity with Jesus Christ. What a glorious day it will be. Help me to be an encourager to myself and to all I meet. Amen.
Go Deeper ― Write Philippians 4:13 on a card. When you begin to be discouraged, say this verse over and over to yourself, and then press on!