Pursue

<<chase, follow>>

When a definite objective is identified, time is invested along with strenuous effort and personal sacrifice, in the hope of obtaining the goal, and having the belief this is possible.  There is motivation and action, not a casual ‘I’ll think about it’ or ‘if-it-happens-it-happens’ approach. The person who keeps one goal in mind makes all things serve that end; with self-discipline everything is focused on achieving an objective that inspires and enthuses. Do I have a burning passion that compels me forward?

to flee from what the world considers desirable achievements, instead pursuing righteous and Godly qualities (1 Tim 6:11). We should actively seek and welcome whatever is of God but actively resist and refuse whatever is from Satan, aware that by default it will come.

While it is largely an individual’s responsibility to bring personal goals to fruition, other bigger goals require the input of like-minded people to provide impetus, added direction and balance. Whatever your dream, it is essential to have a clear picture in your mind so you remain focused and determined when the path gets obscured or obstacles appear, along with a robust faith to sustain the momentum when setbacks and discouragement come. Be prepared to pay the price to obtain your objective, and not falter part way there (Mt 13:44-46; Lk 14:28).

"The Lord...loves those who pursue righteousness" (Prov 15:9). Righteousness is a reflection of His character which is the opposite to our sinfulness. By our efforts of good works and rule keeping we can't produce anything that is acceptable to God (Isa 64:6; Rom 8:8). Rather it is by humbly believing in Jesus and acting accordingly we are justified as we live a lifestyle of surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Ps 51:10; Rom 3:20,28, 5:1, 10:10; Gal 2:16, 3:6; Col 3:1; Jas 2:23).

See also: accomplishment, cost, determined, dreams, drive/driven, effort, focus, goal, gods/idols, motive/motivation, passion, pursuing God.

There’s something that God hardwired into a man - the instinct to pursue. I remember how hearing about the way a young man pursues a young woman, although it scared me, also resonated so deeply with my heart. Men become alive in the pursuit - of someone, something, and ultimately our relationship with Abba Father.
 
However, this pursuit is often the very place the enemy begins to attack, chipping away at our identity. The boy who attempts to talk to the girl but gets humiliated starts to believe the lie that he’s not good enough. The husband who attempts a romantic night, but fails to pay attention to the true needs of his wife, believes that he’s just not very romantic. The young dad with career aspirations to better provide for his family puts himself forward for the promotion, but gets rejected and starts believing that he won’t progress beyond his current level.
 
The enemy will use any approach to try and infect our hearts with a lie that causes us to stop the pursuit. Think about it, you only pursue that which you believe you can reach. Believing the lie, means we settle for less than God’s design for our lives.
 
Have you halted your pursuit?
 
God admonishes the church of Ephesus and then gives them a truth that penetrates the heart:
 
“...But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning. Think about how far you have fallen! Repent and do the works of love you did at first…” (Rev 2:4-5, TPT).
 
As I read this, I’m convicted of my own need to repent for playing it safe with my heart. For pulling back when I felt scared that my vulnerability will not be received in a loving and accepting way. For not having that risky conversation with my wife, because I know last time I tried we simply couldn’t land on the same page and I don’t know how we’ll get there.
 
So I’m repenting that I’ve stopped my pursuit in those areas where I felt hurt or scared. I’m committing to live with my wife in a bold and courageous way. I’m committing to pursue oneness with her every day, despite the hurt, misunderstandings, or unmet expectations.
 
So as I think back on the first Valentines Day when I needed an excuse to have courage, I’m taking a vow this Valentines Day to stop having excuses and to live courageously in the way God designed me to live. I choose to keep pursuing my wife and not allow any past hurts or disappointments to cause me to whimper away from those areas of discussion.

 I’m committing to pursue oneness with her every day, despite the hurt, misunderstandings, or unmet expectations.
We only pursue what we believe we can reach.