Pushing Through The Crowds

1 Corinthians 9:24  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

I recently read posts by people who have either worked at a store during Black Friday or participated in this historical shopping day. They recall stories of people pushing, shoving, and even assaulting one another to get to the discounted products that they so desperately desired. I am sure if you are a Black Friday shopper that you have some stories to tell of the extreme and shocking behavior of the OTHER shoppers. (We know that our readers are aggressive yet graceful when obtaining their merchandise :-) ).

Whether you are a Black Friday shopper or not, I am certain there have been times in all of our lives where we wanted something so badly that we pushed until we either obtained what we wanted or had peace in the fact that we did everything we were called to do.

In Mark 5, we find a very inspiring account of a woman who also PUSHED to receive what she so desperately needed. This chapter describes a woman who had been suffering with a severe bleeding disorder for 12 years. I imagine this condition made her extremely weak. Yet, the Bible says she pushed through CROWDS (likely on her hands and knees) until she touched the hem of Jesus' garment. She said, "If I touch even His garments, I will be made well."

Immediately, she was healed, and Jesus, recognizing that a surge of power was released from Him, asked, "Who touched me?" The woman, in fear and trembling, fell down at His feet and told Him the truth. He then told her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."

We "push" for many things in life and sometimes insignificant things. However, sometimes when it matters...when it REALLY matters, we take on an "It is what it is" kind of attitude.

I challenge you today to PUSH THROUGH THE CROWDS to receive what YOU so desperately need from GOD. Push through your insecurities, your comfort zone, your fear of what others may think and PRESS for the prize in Jesus Christ. Sometimes though...it takes an extra push...some extra time in prayer and in His Word to find what He has for us. Know that what He has to offer will always be the BEST deal of your life!

Dear Lord, Forgive me for times that I just accepted defeat when You desired victory for me. Please move on my behalf and on the behalf of those in my life.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.