ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsSample

Keep Moving Forward

By Mark Jones

READY: 

“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…” – Philippians 3:13

SET:

Have you ever made a big mistake on the field of play that you couldn’t get out of your mind? In the regional track meet during my senior year, I faulted on my first throw. While the others all did their throws, I kept thinking about what I did to disqualify my first attempt. By the time it was my turn again, I did not have a good mindset. I was too focused on not faulting again instead of on the next throw. I ended up faulting twice in three throws, and my season ended.

In Philippians chapter 3, Paul recounts the days before he turned his life to Jesus. One of the things he remembers is being a persecutor of the church. The very people he used to hunt and arrest were now his co-missionaries and partners. Then in verse 13, he says he focuses on “forgetting the past and looking forward…” Paul didn’t stay focused on his past. His focus was on what God was laying in front of him.  

We all make mistakes, in athletics and in our spiritual lives. But Jesus died to take away the punishment of our mistakes! Through His death and resurrection, we can stop regretting and worrying about yesterday, seek forgiveness, and follow Jesus as we move ahead.  

GO:

1. Think of a big mistake that you made during competition.

2. Were you able to move past it? Why or why not?

3. What can help you keep your spiritual walk moving forward when you make mistakes?

WORKOUT:

2 Corinthians 5:17

Hebrews 12:1

OVERTIME: 

“Father, thank You for forgiving me of the mistakes of my past. Please help me to keep following You in obedience. In Jesus’ name, amen.”