“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, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
The Apostle Paul would not have been able to fulfill His God-given purpose had he not chosen to forget the things of his past. He persecuted Christians, had them beaten, imprisoned and killed. And yet here we are still benefitting from his ministry centuries later.
When he said, “forgetting those things”, he was telling the church at Philippi that this was something he continually does–day in and day out. Anytime the devil tried to bring up his past, it didn’t stop Paul’s pursuit of God. He just kept on reaching forward to what was ahead.
My sister, just as the Lord helped Paul forget his past and fulfill his purpose, He’s going to help you. You are not perfect, but you are being perfected. Every time the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. Let God help you look forward to the great things He has planned for you. He has good works He’s going to use you to do.
Your pursuit of God is being observed by everyone around you. You are influencing people’s decision for Christ by simply forgetting what’s behind you, reaching towards what’s ahead, and pressing with all you’ve got towards the goal.
Prayer: Father God, forgive me. I have allowed myself to focus on the wrong things. Help me to forget the past and reach toward what lies ahead of me. Help me to press with all my might towards the goal and the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus. Amen.
devotions