Under Construction: Lessons From a Pumpkin PatchSample

The Direction

Paul acknowledged that he “hadn’t arrived” and was still a work in progress. And while in progress, what did he do? He forgot what was behind and strained for what was ahead. In other words, he focused on direction.

Have you ever tried to go forward while looking back? It doesn't work, does it? In the spiritual life, direction makes all the difference.

Paul shared two key phrases for us to consider as we think about OUR direction: “Forget what is behind” and “Strain toward what is ahead.”

In the Bible, “to forget” means “to no longer be influenced or affected by.” It means we don’t allow the past to control or influence our present. Paul was continually forgetting. It was his pattern to do so as he “strained toward what was ahead” (literally as he “stretched forward”).

For all who are tired, discouraged, and feeling beaten up, for those who are considering giving up, please remember that it's not the speed that matters. Take Paul’s example to heart: Focus less on the speed and more on the Savior. HE is the Prize toward which we run, and He is the One who accomplishes the work. We can declare with Paul that we are confident that He who began this good work will be faithful to complete it!

It’s been said that the motto of the Christian is, “Onward and upward! Progress in the divine life!”

As we consider "direction over speed" in our day-to-day lives, let us remember to:

- stretch forward toward the One who first grabbed hold of us
- set our hearts and minds on things above
- say, “onward and upward”

Why? Because we know that He will accomplish the work He has begun in each and every one of us: whatever the pace may be, whatever the pace of others may be, and whatever the pace expected of us may be.

We are all under construction, so like a pumpkin that is growing - let's keep stretching forward toward the One who is Faithful. Amen?

We hope this plan encouraged you. Connect with Cara Blondo of The One Thing Desired for more encouraging resources and the Perspective Shifts podcast, and sign up for periodic emails delivered straight to your inbox.