Moving forward - 5 May 2023
By Xanthe Hancox
Bible text(s)
Philippians 3
Life can be full of regrets and missed opportunities. We all have things in our past that we wish we could change or do over. But in this passage, Paul encourages us to forget what is behind and focus on what is ahead. We can’t change the past, but we can choose how we respond to it.
Paul was no stranger to regrets. He had persecuted the church before he met Jesus, and he knew that his past could have held him back from serving God. But instead of dwelling on his mistakes, he chose to press on towards the goal. He focused on the prize that God had called him to, and he didn’t let his past define him.
We too can choose to let go of our past and press on towards the goal. We can choose to focus on the future that God has for us, and to trust that he can use even our mistakes for his glory. We don’t have to be defined by our past, because we have a new identity in Christ.
So today, let’s choose to forget what is behind and press on towards the goal. Let’s focus on the future that God has for us, trusting that he is at work even when we can’t see it. Let’s strive to win the prize that he has called us to, and to live in the freedom that comes from knowing him.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the freedom that we have in Christ. Help us to forget what is behind and press on towards the goal. Give us the courage to let go of our past, and to trust that You can use even our mistakes for Your glory. Help us to live in the freedom that comes from knowing You, and to strive towards the prize that You have called us to. Amen