We use the term “plowing ahead” to say that we are continuing to do something difficult or unsuccessful without resistance. Or as Paul the Apostle would put it, we press on toward the goal. What was Paul’s goal? It was a deeper relationship with Christ.
As I think about plowing ahead two things come to mind: slow moving farm vehicles and that there is still plenty of plowing ahead of us. It’s time to put this slow moving farm vehicle in reverse. (Beep, beep, beep)
As I reflect on how I originally felt when my blogging adventure took off, and all that unfolded afterwards, I was surprised by the rough stuff that life threw at me, but apparently the rough stuff is the good stuff. We don’t prefer it this way so we set out on our adventures with our hopes set high, and if you’re anything like I am your eyes are wide and you’re ready for those good things to manifest right this minute! The funny thing is that they are happening. This is why Paul the Apostle could say that He delighted in weakness, in hardships, in insults and the lot! He knew that with each trial Christ’s power was resting on him. Things were happening!
You know what? Plowing can be hard work. Yesterday I wasn’t in a good place. I really didn’t want to plow. I wasn’t happy with myself, either, so I pushed through the day until I ended up in tears. Then all I wanted to do was listen to music in hopes of finding that comfort and peace. I did find some peace as I listened to a couple of songs (among others) that close friends had shared. I’d also recieved some comfort through friends blogs earlier in the day. They were all great reminders of God’s grace, provisions and blessings in my life as I continue to plow forward slowly.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
(Photo credit goes ton Pixabay.com user fauke.)
I can so understand these words. Ploughing on with somedays the soil is just refilling the trough behind me. Getting to bed of the field then having to turn round and do it again. That would be so frustrating. Then I started to really read the message. That’s for a purpose. Actually living is about enjoying and experiencing the actual ploughing. The finished field hopefully comes much later.
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I’m smiling because I’m pretty sure you just turned your “enjoying the journey…” into a ploughing metaphor. 😀 It’s the same thing just a different metaphor. The finished field does come later. There’s a verse about this… now I have to find it. It’s a verse God gave me years ago…. hmmm… this could take a while. Don’t remember which book of the Bible it was in. Though maybe it was Proverbs. Hmm… when and if I figure it out I will tell ya. 😀
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Your too good for me. It is……. I would like to read that. 🙏
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So beautiful and so true. This morning I was texting a friend and our conversation had a similar theme. We imagined things in our lives would have looked differently. If we focus on that it can bring discouragement. But in the breaking, God blesses. Our cups run over. Even though we still have pain, what a joy it is to know that God is enough, He provides, He is faithful, and He is trustworthy. Thank you for this heartfelt post, my friend. I will get beside you in my tractor and keep plowing ahead along side you! ❤
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Awe, thanks Bridget. That was sweet. ☺ ❤ Yes, the wrong focus definitely brings much discouragement. God does bless in the breaking. We just have to take a closer look and see what He is doing or has done. Sometimes it takes time to see those things, but we do know that He is faithful and trustworthy so we can focus on this if we are struggling to see those blessings.
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Yes so true! You’re absolutely right! When we are in the breaking, it can be so hard to remember this. We have to train ourselves to keep our focus on Him and His goodness! ❤️
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Oho,you had a hard time plowing,but you did by the grace of our Lord.Sometimes we do certain work to be a part of the work of salvation of our Lord .The Lord has helped you and he will always be at your side to manage everything according to his will.Take care.🌹👍🙏
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Thank you, Francis. Those are very comforting and encouraging words. You take care as well.
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Ah, how well I relate. Plowing is hard-some days definitely harder than others! But, how wonderful is the comfort we don’t have to plow alone! Thank you for sharing your words here, as well as encouragimy songs and scriptures
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Thanks Marisa! Yes, it’s very comforting that we can work together and encourage one another.
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Oy. Wrong button pressed. “Encouraging songs and scriptures. that should read. “.😏
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I like that phrase! Great post, by the way. I have a few slang terms I say in the real world like “Bingo”, “clam up” (cheer up), and so on. Most of them are British, though. Always had a fascination with those swell blokes. Stay safe out there!
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Thanks Gavin. This made me laugh. 😁 Yes, those swell blokes, indeed. You stay safe too!
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Some days plowing ahead, or just continuing to move forward one step at a time is as far as we can go, it still is progress. The blessing is that God is always beside us, to encourage, to support, and listen to our prayers. Yes, I may be that slow-moving farm vehicle, but I am planting flowers along the way! 🌼🌼🌻🌻🌺🌺
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Yes, He is beside us. He proves that to me often. Keep planting those flowers! 😊
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Plowing ahead towards our goal is indeed hard. We are so focused on the end result that we forget that most of our time is spent in those moments of slowing moving ahead. I like your reminder of Paul delighting in all those moments of trials and hardships. It brings it back to what we choose to focus on isn’t it.
Blessings to you Tina 💙
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Yes, it very difficult to focus on the now. Usually we are trying to find ways to escape the now. It’s a good thing to learn to be content in all circumstances and to delight in hardships. God is working on that. This is good. Couldn’t do it without Him. ❤
Blessings to you, too, Manu. ❤
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