‘Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead’ Philippians 3:13 (NIV).
Paul had every reason to forget what was behind him. He had hunted down followers of Christ and had them thrown in jail and had supported and watched the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
Like Paul, we have all done things for which we are ashamed and live in the tension of what we have been and what we want to be. Because our hope is in Christ, however, we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become.
We need not dwell on our past. Instead we can concentrate on who we are now because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are forgiven and have been chosen by God, filled with His Spirit and can move into a life of faith and obedience.
In Luke 9:62 Jesus said, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’ Jesus is not requiring disciples who dwell on their past, live in their past, and continue to carry the burdens of their past.
He doesn’t want half-hearted commitment, but rather total dedication. We must count the cost of following Him and be willing to abandon everything else that has given us security – without looking back. With our focus on Jesus, we should allow nothing to distract us from moving forward with Him.
Prayer:
‘Heavenly Father, thank you for your strength working mightily in me. This same strength will help me to relinquish all that holds me back from moving forward into the glorious life you have planned for me. Have your way in my life dear Lord.’
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
AMEN!
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Final Thoughts:
What are we holding onto just now that holds us back from moving into the new life that Jesus promises for us? Bad habits, damaging relationships, addictions or selfishness can rob us from the abundant life that is ours to enjoy in Christ.
Paul forgot what was behind and strained to fasten his heart on the future with Christ instead. He ran with passion into God’s abundance. But Paul did not do this in his own strength.
He depended upon the power of Christ to pursue all that God had purposed for him. We too can call upon the same power to enable us to move forward with God.
Be Greatly Blessed!
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