By: Donna Selma Lind
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| "But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 |
We can't run a race looking backwards! Though this is just what we do when we live our life in the past!
Some years ago I went to visit a friend in the hospital. It was raining cats and dogs out and I was in a big hurry to get inside. I was running toward the entrance where there was a wall of glass doors and windows. Someone called my name from the parking lot and I turned behind me to see who it was, but I forgot to stop running forward!
I ran smack into the glass doors and knocked myself out! I woke up with a circle of very concerned people surrounding me and insisting they drag me into the ER to be examined. Although I had a goose egg on the side of my head the only real bruising was to my ego!
We can't go forward while looking backwards at the same time.
A runner can't run the race always looking over his shoulder to see who's behind him. If he does he will trip and fall flat on his face like I did. The winning runner keeps his eyes fixed on the finish line in front of him and the prize that's waiting ahead!
Some people seem to life their life in the past, always looking backwards. They live a life filled with regrets and focus on past failures. They also look at others the same way, criticizing and complaining about things that happened a long time ago, pointing out all your mistakes and problems.
Is that you or someone you know?
Has anyone ever been there, done that? How did that work for you?
It doesn't work.
We don't get anywhere. We end up living in limbo. Living on yesterdays dreams. No hope for tomorrow. Stuck in the past, holding on to yesterday afraid to let go.
We have to choose. Forward or Backward. Future or Past. Life or Death.
Paul was talking to us in this verse to let us know he hadn't yet achieved his heavenly goal, but he made up his mind that he was going forward and not turning back to the past.
Paul could have easily looked at his past mistakes and sins and wallowed around in yesterdays mud-hole. No pity party for Paul! He didn't blame others or boo-hoo about all the bad things that happened to him in the past. No, instead he made a choice to receive God's loving Grace and the call on his life. He got up, dusted himself off and got back in the race and pressed on toward the goal!
What or who in your life has you stuck holding onto the past?
What or who in your life is keeping you from running the race?
What are your dreams and goals for the future?
Are you pressing toward the goal to win the heavenly prize of Christ Jesus?
Are you helping others run the race or are you holding them back because you are afraid to go forward?
Do you feel sorry for yourself and try to blame others for why you are the way you are?
Stop looking back! Start looking forward! God has amazing plans for your future!
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
We are all a work in progress. We can take the things from our past and learn from them in order to help others. Nothing is wasted with God! But if we stay living in the past we will miss out on our future.
Isn't it time to get back in the race?
"All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Run the race. Press toward the goal.
Finish strong!
The Lord is waiting for you at the finish line!
"Well done, thy good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:23
HALLELUJAH! PRAISE THE LORD AND SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!
Donna Selma Lind
