Look Forward To What Is Ahead...

Forget the past and look forward to what is ahead. That's found in Philippians 3:13-14. Why forget the past? Why not wonder what if? Those answers will be found in the Bible. To forget the past is not to forget the experience but to forget the hurts and not to ponder and stew over what has happened in your past. But to look forward to what is ahead is to look to the future, as it says in Philippians, and experience the expectation of what is to come. We sometimes wonder what if? Why did this happen to me? Sometimes all questions cannot be answered, but the comfort that is enough is knowing that God is with you and He loves you.

Sometimes, realistically, it feels like it's not. Loneliness, sadness, depression, hurts, and disappointments are hard to ignore. The Holy Spirit was sent to comfort us and to give us hope and strength in knowing that God is a just God who will vindicate you (Romans 12:19), He is a Friend closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), and He is a restorer (2 Corinthians 5:18). This world needs God. The fact that He sent His only Son, Jesus, gives you a picture of what true love is. You're probably wondering what I mean. For example, when a military personnel goes out to fight in a war, picture this: that is someone's son or daughter giving their life for the freedom we are experiencing today. Without knowing or even realizing it, the parents of military personnel love their country so much that their child is giving their life for you.

Let's go back to forgetting the past. To only forget the past would be a hypocritical way to say nothing really happened to you. But the reason why we want to forget the past and move forward is because we want to put it to the side so we do not stumble upon disappointments, hurts, or mistakes that will hinder our journey. The journey is what we are looking forward to. This is your new expectation, your new goal, your new experience, your new vision, and your new identity. When I say “identity,” it is not to lose who you are but to polish, enhance, experience, and reinvent who God desires for you to be (Isaiah 43:18-19). You see, God made you unique; He made you who you were supposed to be (e.g., your personality, traits, gifts, talents, etc.). Past experiences are what build your character to be stronger, more polished, enhance your skills, experience life differently, reinvent, and to revive your dreams again.

Letting go of the past is scary. It's hard for me as I'm saying this today. Thinking, if I let go, what will I have to hold on to? And that is the point. There is no need to have one hand holding on to the past while the other hand is stretched out to the future. If you were to imagine one hand put behind you and the other stretched before you, you will see that it contradicts. It contradicts in direction. There is nowhere to go! You cannot go in both directions. A decision has to be made, and that decision should be what is best for your future. This future can include a business, a new marriage, a new friendship, a new relationship, a new car, a new house, a new pair of shoes (I love shoes), school, or _______ (you fill in the blank). That blank line should be filled in with a dream and the skills God has given you.

Picture this: the hand behind you is like holding on to a 6-foot-deep pole that is cemented into the ground or betteryet an anchor to a ship. If the ship wants to move forward, it raises its anchor so it can move towards its goal or destination. If the captain decides not to raise its anchor, the boat will be floating for a very long time without going anywhere, without achieving its goal, or reaching its destination. It will simply be floating and rocking side to side, front and back, as though it wants to depart but remains unable. This is the kind of life that we do not want. We want a goal that we can reach, that is realistic, a destination that we can attain and achieved, and a new perspective in life of what we have learned, where we have gone through, and what we have experienced. When you're on a ship, they always say to look to the horizon so you don't feel sick. Isn't that amazing that you would have to look forward and far in the distance to feel as though you are safe and not get sea sick? But if you look closer, you can see the waves and feel the waves crashing against the boat more intensely. Somehow, looking in the distance makes us realize we are passing through. The horizon can symbolize our mental health, physical health, and a goal that can actually make you feel better about yourself. Everyone needs to feel safe, loved, understood, and embraced.

Sometimes our society teaches us that we should take care of ourselves by ourselves. But in reality, we all need something or someone to lean on. Some call a friend, some have a parent, a sibling, counselors, mentors, or Pastors. Most importantly, we need to reach out to God and His Word first. Sometimes the past holds you so tight that it's hard to let go. But as the Bible says, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). If you believe that all things are possible through Christ and continue building yourself up spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically then you are capable of moving forward. If you really want to. But again, you can't go or do something new, or be who God has created you to be unless you let go. You are fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:13-14) You just have to believe it!

I have a challenge;

I challenge you today to list on a sheet of paper what you have accomplished in the past. Not pros and cons. This list is only things you have accomplished, such as graduating high school/college/certification, getting your driver's license, getting a new job, purchasing a new car, purchasing a new house, a new outfit, changing eating habits, having a family, or even starting a new devotional. I hope it's The Love Project! (LOL)

It doesn't matter how big or how small the accomplishments are, but seeing all that you have accomplished shows what you were capable of doing in the past and demonstrates that you are capable of doing even more in the future. This can be a daily reminder of what you can do and not be so hard on yourself. It could be as easy as making your kids breakfast today or taking your kid out to lunch or to the park. It can be you woke up todayand actually finished a task that's been on "the list" you have been trying to complete. It can also be you have successfully done something different that you don't do anymore from your past. Yes, those are accomplishments. Accomplishments are not standards of what other people think or what they should be, but what you have created them to be. No one has brought you out of your past except God and your willingness to let go of the past. He has always been in the midst of it all. Sometimes you feel you're alone, but as you list your accomplishments, try to remember God’s interaction with your circumstances, and in those instances you can see that all of a sudden those were little miracles in your life!

Look forward to what is ahead; knowing that all things are possible through Christ, who strengthens you every step of the way, Who gave His life so you can experience a better one (John 10:10), and Whose love will sustain you as you choose to forget your past.

Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)! I believe in you, and you should too. Have a blessed day! <3

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for giving your Son, Jesus, for us and for helping me forget about the past and look forward to a more expectant future. Amen.

Reference: Bible verses are from the New International Version