CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 907

“Press On”

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

An occasional glance at the rear view mirror is necessary; however it would be a recipe for disaster to drive a car at highway speeds while keeping your eyes focused on the rear view mirror. Yet isn’t that how some of us are living our lives – focused on our past?

Our character is generally shaped by the synergistic summation of our past and current experiences, both good and bad. These experiences can provide a foundation from which we press on to the future or they can become excess baggage and anchors that drag us down robbing us of the power and will to succeed. As Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians, the choice is ours to make: learn from the past, let it go and press on or choose to remain a victim.

Far too many of us remain victims of our less than pleasant past experiences. We may have been abused verbally, physically or sexually. We may have been abandoned and unloved. Victims go through life dragging excess baggage along with them. Their self esteem and interpersonal relationships suffer as they pollute today’s experiences by filtering them through yesterday’s garbage. Victims find it difficult to trust, to love, and to be loved. The good news is that victims can be set free from the chains of their past. Through Jesus Christ the unstable foundation of their past can be replaced with a new solid foundation upon which to press on toward the future.

To forget the past and press on you must first accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You are a new creation when you are born again by His Spirit. The old is gone and you can now stand on the solid foundation of the rock of Jesus Christ. You have a new beginning.

You will remain anchored to the past if you choose to harbor unforgiveness toward those who may have hurt you. You must forgive those from your past who victimized you. You cannot harbor bitterness without continuing to drag yourself down. It has been said that bitterness is the cup of poison we drink hoping it will hurt someone else. Why continue to harbor bitterness when it can only harm you? Forgiveness is freeing. No longer talk negative about the people that have caused you pain. Ask the Lord to see them through His eyes of love and act accordingly in the power of His Holy Spirit.

Lastly, choose to press on and reach forward to what God has planned for you. Seek to understand His purpose for your life and fulfill it. Learn from the past, glean out the good, and choose not to let the bad define your future. The choice is yours whether you remain a victim or not. The future is bright and the blessings are bountiful in Christ Jesus. Choose life in Him and be a victim no more.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)