God's Got YouSample

Looking Ahead

Have you ever tried to drive your car in reverse for more than a block? It’s not nearly as effective as driving forward. Similarly, if we want to transition well, looking forward is the key to success. It will always work in our favor to accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.

The apostle Paul is a great example of doing this. He reminded the people of Philippi that nothing mattered more than having a relationship with their Savior, and he shared tips for how they could prioritize Him daily. Then he gave them encouragement to keep pushing forward.

Paul wrote, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:12-14).

Paul wanted them to leave the past behind and trust that God had already gone ahead of them and planned the way. Deuteronomy 31:8 also assures us of this truth: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Our memories will always be in our minds, the sweet ones and the bitter ones. We can learn from the past and use that wisdom to move forward. But we can’t live in the past. We can only move forward, living one day at a time and focusing on what God is doing right now.

Jesus, You know the fears in my heart and the obstacles that stand in the way of me pressing forward in this new season. I pray for the strength to push past my doubts and not allow fear to hold me back from experiencing what You have in store for me. Give me the wisdom, strength, and stamina to keep running the race and pursuing the dreams I know You’ve put in my heart. Amen.