Keep Pushin'...Don't Look Back...

Job 22:26-30 reads: “Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God.  You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vow.  What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways.  When men are brought low and you say, 'Lift them up!' then he will save the downcast.  He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."  Job was, without a doubt, going through a pretty tough time in this part of his story.  He had lost his family, his livestock, and he had been struck with many other things.  A friend of his, named Eliphaz, is encouraging him with the words above.  Since this passage came from the Bible, these words are also to us.  As I read this scripture, and many more, I am also encouraged.  In the midst of ministry, many of us get very frustrated.  Many people think that things always go great for Christians, not so much.  Yes we have constant joy that is found in Christ, but life still happens to us along the way.  Fortunately, we always have God’s word to comfort us in our struggles.  As I continue to pour myself out to my students, I get very frustrated at times.  I see very little fruit, even though I give it my all.  This scripture convicted me.  I find my delight in the Almighty and I just need to lift my face to him and pray!  I should continue to fulfill my vow, and know that God hears my prayers.  God is at work even when I don’t see Him working.  The scripture is really encouraging to me where it says, “When men are brought low and you say, 'Lift them up!' then he will save the downcast.  He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."  WOW!  God is going to intercede in the lives of others, on our behalf.  That is just a kick in the rear for me.  My heart truly breaks for those that don’t know Christ.  I need to live a righteous life, lift others up, and they will be delivered!  I love the promises that in the word of God!  I pray that I can continue to keep pushing toward the goal that is found in Christ Jesus, because the eternal lives of others are at stake.  Are you pushing towards Christ, or are you looking back?