The point of looking back isn’t to leave us stuck in the past but to propel us with renewed confidence into our future. Its fine to remember, Its sometimes fun to think of the ‘good ole days’ – just remember this – the rear-view mirror is a ton smaller than the front windshield for a reason folks…. Look forward not backward – forward (future) is ready for you to reach out and grab with both hands and full of hope and promise. You can’t change yesterday. Look forward to tomorrow with renewed excitement for what can be. What WILL be!
“You will remember all the way the Lord your God led you in the desert these forty years, so you would not have pride, and how He tested you to know what was in your heart to see if you would obey His Laws or not” (Deuteronomy 8:2).
Remember the lessons of history, of yesterday, of our forefathers. As many lessons, as many times as we’ve been told…God is with us… we need to move forward towards the future and KNOW God will never leave us. Have confidence in Him and in ourselves as His children.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
If you (we) are going to run a race, you (we) had better not be shackled to any hindrances. Sin acts as weight or drag. It entangles and halts progress. The way to throw it off is to face it honestly, confess it, repent of it and run forward, leaving it behind. To persevere we must see the long game of our faith and sanctification. We must realize that until we have reached our destination, death or the last trumpet, there is a road ahead, and it is narrow, straight, and satan will not stop tempting us to swerve. We must keep our eyes and on the prize, and keep stepping. Keep moving forward with God as our direction.
We read in Psalm 73:26-28 that being in the presence of God renews our faith and restores our souls: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”
A step is a step. A step is forward movement. Doing something is better than doing nothing, especially if you have faith that your “doings” are God centered. Ask Him in to the simple things, Ask Him to cover your steps and help you propel forward. Ask Him to show you the clear path He wants you to take. Then start walking. One step in front of the other. Soon enough you will be gliding in to the future.
Of course there will be times when we might back-peddle, or look backwards, stop walking or hesitate. On those days just stop and ask for directions again. You might have gotten off the glorious path for today – trust that God knows you needed the course adjustment. He knows you needed to see some of that scenery so He allowed it. Much like the Isrealites when they left Egypt… if they had gone to the promised land at that time it would have been all out war… and they likely would have ran right back in to bondage. They had to go the scenic route. So when you get thrust in to the scenic route – enjoy the trip!
Dear Heavenly Father
As we step and step forward please guide our paths, help us walk it out Your way. Help us see that detours are for our own good. Please let us always press forward with Your help and guidance. Thank You for being the beacon of light and love for us. In Jesus Name - Amen