March 23rd, 2026

Written by Linda Hokit

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 
(Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV)

It was during the Easter season I made a commitment to fully serve God whatever shape or form that would take. I was fully committed but not yet called to fulltime Christian service. I did not know if I ever would be. What I did know, is God had a plan for me. I did not know what it was or what direction I would go, so one day at a time I pressed on!

A few months later, we got a new boss at work who had new ideas that cut me our of a position I was doing quite well. Yet, she had done that job before and wanted it for herself.  What an obvious opportunity to let God lead! It was not long before I was standing in a doorway talking to my pastor and his missionary daughter letting them know about a possible open door for a life change. She said there was a need for someone to lead a resident camp for missionary kids in Africa. Wow! That was right up my alley.  I had 10 years doing just that!

And yet, I did not end up going to Africa because I was too old! However, I was told about another opportunity. So, I pressed on. I applied and made it far enough to be invited to a group interview. When the opportunities list came out, I knew instantly I would either get a particular position or none at all, so I pressed on with the process. During the interviews we had to declare our interest, so I put down my one choice and left the other two lines empty. Of course, I got a visit from one of the selection team members who asked me fill out the this will “just anything”. Then another team member came over and introduced himself. He told me he was going to speak for me during the selection process. I went home and later learned I had been selected to go to Canda. Somone spoke up for me. Someone cheered me to press on toward the goal. 

Later, after earning the respect of the same people who doubted me, I was asked to cut short my assignment and go to a new location. I said, no! I had made a commitment and was going forward with it. A year later, they came back and asked again. This time, I agreed to interview. The interview team for the new position asked why I wanted the position and I said I did not really want it, but I felt the Lord was leading me to interview. It wasn’t the position I wanted, it was to do God’s will. They hired me! I pressed on toward the goal. 

Funny enough, years later, those same people were starting a new ministry in Georgia. Again, I said, call me when you get things ready to launch. They did and I was given the opportunity to serve with some amazing men and women who wanted to love their community in God’s name. I pressed on and was able to see God’s Hand at work. 

And now, years have gone by. Instead of being able to press on physically at the same levels I once did, I find myself having to say “no” to the things I once enjoyed. And yet I press on! When I retired, I discovered I could volunteer!  As a volunteer, I can select assignment rather than having them assigned. Even though I need help twisting the top off my water bottle I can still talk up a storm. So, I am a chaplain for two organizations. I can no longer put up cots in the evacuation shelter or type for long hours on a computer, but I can speak with someone who has lost a family member because of a disaster. I may not be able to run a road race anymore, but each year I do a virtual walk for cancer. Actually, I prayer walk, since I have known nearly 15 people who have had breast cancer. The things I do have changed but not my call!

Recently, I had an opportunity to go to a weightlifting gym with my senior adult fitness class. Our class got bumped out of our meeting place for the day, so we were invited to our teacher’s gym. It was a new experience for me! However, I knew she had our backs and so I pressed on. At the end, she let us try to lift 90 pounds with our legs. We all did it, so she added 10 more pounds so we could say we pressed 100 pounds! Yes, I did! I tried something new, I was cheered on toward a goal and I made it!

We have all sorts of people cheering us as Christians toward the goal of our upward call in Christ. Our job is to press on, step by step toward what God has in mind for us! Our job is to set aside all the self-talk that sometimes convinces us we can’t do things, replacing it with what God says we can do!


So, my friends, during this Easter season when we focus on all the ways Christ pressed on toward the cross for our benefit, let us likewise seek him, taking things one step at a time toward the purpose He has for use today, then tomorrow and all the days beyond just one step at a time knowing we have a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on!