Day 22
Press Forward to What Lies Ahead
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3: 13-14
A vehicle’s rear view mirror is much smaller than its windshield. Such a design allows the driver to focus his attention on what lies ahead instead of focusing on what is behind him.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul shared a similar mindset. When it came to obtaining his goal of spiritual maturity, he recognized that he had further to go. He was willing to forget the past (and his past accomplishments) and press forward, like a runner who is determined to reach the finish line.
Paul pursued Christlikeness with enthusiasm and persistence. Through his writings, he encourages us to do the same.
For the Christian, the best is yet to come. The best is in the future, as God will use future events to help us become more like His son, Jesus.
Isaiah shared a similar encouragement with the Israelites in Isaiah 43:18-19. He told the Israelites, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old” and went on to say that God is doing a new thing. The encouragement was to help the Israelites see that God would bring them out of their captivity.
Which do you focus more intently on – your past or your future?
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul shared a similar mindset. When it came to obtaining his goal of spiritual maturity, he recognized that he had further to go. He was willing to forget the past (and his past accomplishments) and press forward, like a runner who is determined to reach the finish line.
Paul pursued Christlikeness with enthusiasm and persistence. Through his writings, he encourages us to do the same.
For the Christian, the best is yet to come. The best is in the future, as God will use future events to help us become more like His son, Jesus.
Isaiah shared a similar encouragement with the Israelites in Isaiah 43:18-19. He told the Israelites, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old” and went on to say that God is doing a new thing. The encouragement was to help the Israelites see that God would bring them out of their captivity.
Which do you focus more intently on – your past or your future?
Pray: Lord, Help me to see all the ways that You are at work in my life. Help me to see that what lies ahead is good for me, and that You will use my future to help me become more like Jesus. Help me to press forward.
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