Pressing On
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:12-14 ESV)
Some of you have been following my photography journey for a very long time (pretty much since the beginning – thank you Bernadine). As I look back on 2016, I have not accomplished one single goal that I had set myself at the beginning of the year (photographically speaking).
However, what this past year has taught me more than ever, is that I have perseverance. One of my very good photography friends told me this year that I have to first believe in my own work, before others do. I have to say that this was the most important thing one ever told me.
After my visit to Seattle in October, not only has my work improved dramatically, I am also starting to see that I truly believe in my work. I think that the two things go hand-in-hand.
Not only am I more confident in my photography work this year, my faith has grown even stronger in 2016. There were time when I just wanted to give up for good. However, God always placed someone in my life that encouraged me. You would not believe how many of my photography friends are also followers of Jesus. They all have encouraged me to let His light shine through me.
One of my favorite Bible teachers is Kim Cash Tate. If you have never heard of her, I encourage you to check out her website, “Kim Cash Tate”. Kim just release a novel “Though I stumble”. In connection with that book, she also created a 4-video series “In Hot Pursuit” available on her YouTube channel. I hope you have time to check it out over the next week or so.
You see, we all stumble at times, but God is faithful no matter how hard the journey may be. Not only does God give us strength through His Word, but He will put people in your path that will encourage you to press on.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)
Lord of mercy and grace. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your Word, and thank you for the women You have placed in my life. Though I may stumble, I won’t fall because of Your goodness. Trusting You until I see Jesus face-to-face. In His name, I pray…Amen.
Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
Iris,
Thanks for the good word and stunning photograph.
Katie
Thank you, Katie for stopping by and your kind words.
Thank you for this word, Iris. I really needed this. I’ve been having doubts about my writing. I haven’t accomplished one goal I set for myself in regards to writing or anything else for that matter. Granted, I got sidetracked with having cancer this year, but still, I’ve been discouraged. I think Press On or Perseverance would be a good word for me in 2017. I’m going to pray about it.
His mercies are new EVERY morning! And I’m thankful because many days I need a do-over. So glad you pressed in and kept with your photography, you are amazing!