Everything about our Christian faith is intended to be progressive.  Romans chapter one tells us the gospel is a revelation of righteousness, and as we learn who we are in Christ, we progressively move from faith to faith.  In other words, there is supposed to be a continuous action, where faith is increasing more and more.  There is no neutral ground for staying the same - we must be changing.  And it is certain that if we do nothing in our progress, then whatever changes we experience, they will most assuredly adversely affect the level of our growth.            

       The word "transcend" is a derivative from the Latin transcendere, which means "to climb beyond." You can ascend a mountain and descend a mountain, but to transcend it means you go beyond the mountain - you rise above it.  It has the connotation of a steady climb, as would be the case with a ship at sea when it encounters heavy swells and must climb over the top.   

       Whatever the limits - whatever the expectations may be - when you are engaged in this transcending faith, you go beyond any restriction; you go pass the barriers or boundaries that may be trying to confine you.   Everyday there are forces in life that we face that try to limit us. When Paul made the statement, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14), he was implying that his aim and goal was under opposition, and that his pursuit was very much an upward and onward climb.  This word "press" come from the same root word we get persecute.  Paul was declaring that he was being pressed as he was endeavoring to press toward his objective. 

       When we talk about transcending faith, actually what we are describing is an attitude that simply refuses to be denied.  When you are pressing, you are applying force that is of the utmost earnestness and effort.  Hebrews eleven and verse six says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  This word "diligently" has to do with making haste, to press forward with urgency.  It is as if you are running swiftly so as to catch something.

       We are in a spiritual race, and it takes a spiritual fortitude to not only finish but win at what we are seeking to achieve.  It's not about "if" we win.  It's about "how" we win!  We win by applying our faith to the situations we face in life and know that we are on the victory side!  I like what Peter stated in his second epistle.  He said, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (2 Pet. 1:3).  This verse is absolutely loaded with revelation!  But to emphasize my point, there are three things I want you to see: First, it's our objective.  There is a calling.  It is a high calling - a calling that transcends the natural realm.  It is a calling to experience the glory and virtue of God himself.  We are to become partakers of the divine nature.  That means more than just acknowledging that we have it.  It means we are to enter into it and enjoy the benefits of it. Secondly, is this word pertains.  It is the Greek word PEROS (pair-ross), a preposition that means to run toward or come into something with the intention of being joined to it.  And then thirdly, is that this divine power has a purpose.  It has been given to direct us toward life and godliness.  The whole purpose for Jesus' coming was to give us life, and that we might have it more abundantly [the word life is ZOE', the God kind of life].  We have this divine power living in us. It is to enable our faith to transcend every obstacle that stands in our way, so that we can enjoy the fullness of our inheritance.  The Bible says, "The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17).         Not just barely-get-along faith!  But, transcending faith!  A faith that will enable you to live this life!  A faith that locks in, lays hold, and lives up to the challenge of a transcending mentality!

       Father, I thank you today for the measure of faith you gave me.  I choose today to live by this faith.  I want to walk in everything you have for me.  I understand this life is a journey of faith, and I purpose in my heart today to look beyond my limitations - to even go beyond my expectations and to trust you to bring me into all that belongs to me through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  In his name I pray, Amen.

       I will live by this transcending faith.  I will see to it that I reach my goals and rise above every adversity that tries to hold me back.  There are places for me to attain, and I will attain them.  I am on a quest, and my sights are set high.  Therefore, within me lies a sense of urgency.  I am being transformed every day to higher heights and loftier ambitions.  Until the day I see Christ face to face, I will climb upward and onward - I will not be denied!