Philippians 3:12-13 (NKJV) Pressing Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
There are many people in life who are always looking back. If only I had…. I could have…. I should have…. Zig Ziglar said that you can say “I wish I had or I’m glad I did!” Which one of those do you want to be? When you get to the end of your earthly life, do you want to be full of regret? I don’t! I want to have said what I really wanted to say and have done what God calls me to do. I tell people I love them. Nursing homes are filled with people who live in regret and bitterness. I don’t want to be one of them. How about you?
The Apostle Paul knows he is not perfect. In fact, he realizes how flawed he is but thanks God for His grace. In his past, he persecuted God’s people and rejected Christ. That could have been his definition; a man against God. But Christ appeared to him on the road to Damascus and his life was changed forever. Not only that, your life and my life are changed. Paul teaches us to let go of the past and press on toward the goal. Christ is that prize. He waits for you. Reach forward for the prize!
You cannot change the past. We have all made mistakes. The secret is to use the mistakes to learn for the next opportunity. Why not think about how Jesus would want you to handle something and strive to do it His way in the future. You are a Child of the King. Why not live in a way to bring Him glory. I know, you have this worthiness thing going on! That comes from the evil one. Drop that at the foot of the Cross and live as God intended. You are anointed, empowered, holy, righteous, redeemed, triumphant and victorious! Why not live that way. You say I don’t feel victorious. Are you living by your feelings and what people say about you? Why not take a look in His best-selling book and see what He says about you? It is all in there. You are fearfully and wonderfully made! God says so. You are an heir to the throne. Reach up and adjust your crown.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) says17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Stop living in the past. What does God call you to do today? How can you encourage others and bring glory to God? You cannot encourage another without some of that spilling over onto you. You will be blessed by being a blessing! Today is a new day. Be so positive and encouraging that it will make people wonder what you are up to! Keep them guessing as to your motive. God, you and I know it is to bring glory to Him and Him to them! The future awaits! Press on!
Father, we thank You that You give us grace to let go of the past and reach toward the future. Forgive our past mistakes and guide us in the way You would have us go. Help us to lay down the burdens that keep us from doing Your will. Empower us to build others up. Show us the blessing that comes with doing Your will. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!
Matthew West “I am no longer defined by all the wreckage behind.” https://youtu.be/xctUxzZhNRs