“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)
As the year ends, we tend to replay it and mull over our successes and failures. Inevitably, such a review causes the shadows of regret to grow longer. Of course, such a review may have some value, if it causes us to honestly understand the attitudes, habits, and actions behind our failures. And if it causes us to truly change our attitudes, habits, and actions then it can be healthy and good.
But for many people, reviewing the year will only bring remorse and not repentance. For many, such a review will only increase their excuses of why they continue to dwell on issues in the past. This last devotional for 2008 is for those who want to live a dynamic life for Christ and influence those around them. The Apostle Paul gave the Philippian believers the key . . . a principle for dynamic living.
Like most reviews, we only remember the most significant issues. Sometimes we forget things that should be remembered and remember things that should be left in the past. Some baggage is best buried on the Island of Forgotten Issues. In some manner, they were painful, but they cannot be changed. Our past is just that . . . past. Gone! Don’t let the past become a constant weight and obstacle to the purpose God has assigned to you.
As we walk along the Sea of Time, let the gentle tide caress your memories . . . both welcome and unwelcome. Let go of those regrets and baggage, and the incoming surf will wash them away. Accept God’s grace. Commit the past to him. Forget that which is behind! Turn away from the sunset of 2008 and reach forth to the future that spans before you! Press toward the sunrise of 2009 and the purpose that God has given you.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Forgive us our sins and failures. Empower us to lay aside every weight and entanglement. Enable us to forget and press forward. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today by the principle of dynamic living,