Setting Your Face and Pressing Forward in Faith
Stan Saunders • March 20, 2025
Life presents many challenges, but how we respond to them reveals our spiritual maturity. Just as Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem knowing the suffering ahead, we too must remain focused on our spiritual journey despite obstacles.
Why Do We Face Difficulties in Life?
There are three main sources of trouble in life:
- Our own actions and choices (most common)
- Actions of others
- Living in a fallen world
However, difficulties should never be an excuse for poor behavior or stepping away from faith. Jesus demonstrated this by showing compassion even to those who would crucify Him.
What Does It Mean to Press On?
The Apostle Paul teaches us in Philippians 3 that we must:
- Forget what lies behind
- Focus on what's ahead
- Press toward spiritual maturity
- Pattern our lives after godly examples
How Can We Know If We're Growing Spiritually?
Key indicators include:
- Being Spirit-led rather than flesh-ruled
- Having conduct that matches stated beliefs
- Setting our minds on heavenly things
- Being able to lead others in faith
- Demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit
What Should Our Response Be to Challenges?
Like Abraham and David, we should:
- Trust God's timing
- Maintain faith despite delays
- Keep declaring God's goodness
- Remember His faithfulness
- Stay focused on heavenly purposes
Life Application
This week, evaluate your spiritual journey by asking:
- Is my conduct matching my stated beliefs?
- Am I someone others could follow in faith?
- What past experiences am I holding onto that I need to release?
- How am I responding to current challenges - with flesh or Spirit?
Challenge: Choose one area where you've been making excuses or looking backward, and make a conscious decision to "set your face" forward in faith this week. Share your commitment with someone who can help hold you accountable.
Remember: Just as Jesus remained focused on His purpose despite knowing the suffering ahead, we too must press forward in faith, keeping our eyes fixed on heavenly things rather than earthly circumstances.
Living in God's presence brings transformational power that changes us from the inside out. Through examining key biblical passages, we discover how encountering God's glory leads to lasting spiritual transformation. What is the Difference Between the Old and New Covenant? The Old Testament way brought uncertainty and condemnation through laws etched in stone. Even Moses had to veil his face after encountering God's glory because the people couldn't bear to look at him. This glory would fade over time, symbolizing how the old covenant was temporary. In contrast, the New Covenant through Jesus brings: Clarity and certainty about God's love Freedom from condemnation Lasting transformation Direct access to God's presence How Does Jesus Reveal God's Glory? The transfiguration of Jesus provides several key insights: Reveals Jesus' divine nature and glory Confirms Jesus as the fulfillment of the law (Moses) and prophets (Elijah) Previews Christ's ultimate reign Authenticates Jesus as Messiah What Happens When We Encounter God's Glory? When we spend time in God's presence: The veil is removed from our hearts and minds We reflect God's glory to others We are gradually transformed into His image We gain confidence and boldness in our faith How Do We Live in God's Glory Today? Like clay jars containing treasure, we: Carry God's presence within us Reflect His light to others Find strength in weakness Never give up despite challenges Live with certainty of God's love Life Application This week, focus on spending time in God's presence so you can better reflect His glory to others. Ask yourself: Am I living with uncertainty and condemnation or with confidence in God's love? Do others see Jesus reflected in my life? Where do I need to surrender more fully to God's transforming work? Challenge : Set aside dedicated time each day this week to be in God's presence through prayer and Bible reading. Ask Him to help you reflect His glory more clearly to those around you. Remember - we don't have to strive to generate our own light. Like the moon reflects the sun's light, we simply need to stay close to Jesus and reflect His glory to others.
Life is filled with challenges, and as Job 5:7 reminds us, people are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire. Understanding how to navigate these troubles with grace and wisdom is essential for our spiritual growth and emotional well-being. What Are the Three Types of Trouble We Face? Self-imposed trouble Trouble caused by others Trouble from living in a fallen world How Should We Handle Self-Imposed Trouble? When we're responsible for our own problems, the path forward is clear: Take ownership of your mistakes Avoid blaming others Learn from your failures Use every setback as a learning opportunity What's the Biblical Response to Trouble Caused by Others? The Bible provides clear guidance through 1 Corinthians 13: Love doesn't demand its own way Avoid being irritable Keep no record of wrongs Practice forgiveness as an act of love Jesus demonstrated this perfectly on the cross when He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." He even instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Why Should We Stop Dwelling on Past Offenses? Constantly repeating offenses to others can: Damage relationships Cause people to avoid you Diminish your standing in others' eyes Prevent you from experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised How Do We Handle Troubles Beyond Our Control? James 1:2 offers powerful guidance: "Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for joy." Habakkuk 3:17-18 provides an inspiring example of maintaining joy despite circumstances: Even when resources fail When crops don't produce When everything seems lost We can still choose to rejoice in the Lord Why Is Attitude So Important? Your attitude is the predictor of your future. While you can't control everything that happens to you, you absolutely can control how you respond to it. This choice of attitude can determine the trajectory of your life. Life Application This week, challenge yourself to: Identify which type of trouble you're currently facing Choose a positive attitude regardless of circumstances Practice forgiveness where needed Learn from any mistakes you've made Ask yourself: Am I holding onto any offenses that I need to release? How can I turn my current challenges into opportunities for growth? What's one step I can take today to improve my attitude toward difficult situations? Remember: The Jesus way is always the best way. When we follow His instructions, we position ourselves to experience the abundant life He promised.
Many Christians struggle with the biblical command to "pray without ceasing." At first glance, this instruction from 1 Thessalonians 5:16 seems impossible. How can anyone pray continuously while going about their daily life? What Does "Pray Without Ceasing" Really Mean? Praying without ceasing doesn't mean we should only pray and do nothing else. Instead, it suggests maintaining a continuous conversation with God throughout our day. This ongoing dialogue transforms our daily thoughts and concerns into moments of prayer. The Connection Between Worry and Prayer Every day, our minds are filled with thoughts that can trigger: Anxiety Stress Worry Concerns These very thoughts can become our prayer points. As Philippians 4 instructs us, "Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything." Common Areas We Can Transform into Prayer Our daily concerns often revolve around: Family matters Financial situations Job-related stress Health issues Relationship challenges World events Instead of obsessing over these issues or consuming endless news cycles, we can redirect these thoughts into conversations with God. Why Prayer Doesn't Have to Be Complicated Many people overcomplicate prayer, but it's actually quite simple. If you know how to worry, you already know how to pray. The key is redirecting those worried thoughts toward God instead of letting them spiral into worst-case scenarios. Biblical Support for Simple Prayer Scripture provides clear guidance on this approach: "Cast your cares upon the Lord because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7) "Always be full of joy in the Lord" (Philippians 4:4) "Be thankful in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Life Application This week, challenge yourself to transform your worries into prayers. Every time you catch yourself worrying about something, immediately turn that thought into a prayer. Ask yourself these questions: What do I spend most time worrying about? How can I make these worry moments my prayer triggers? What difference would it make in my life if I turned every worried thought into a prayer? Remember, prayer is simply sharing your thoughts with God. You don't need special words or formal language - just an honest heart ready to communicate with your Creator.