Letting Go and Looking Forward
“… one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and looking forward to what lies ahead…”
Philippians 3:13 (BBE/NLT)
Have you noticed that whatever you hold onto in life begins to hold onto you? That’s great if you’re holding on to Jesus and He’s holding onto you. But too often we get attached to things we need to let go of. Some things we hold onto are weighing us down and preventing us from running the race God has for us. The writer of Hebrews put it like this: “Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.” Hebrews 12:1 (CEV)
What is it in your life you need to let go of in order to put God first so you can look forward to what lies ahead? When you hold on to hurts, habits, and hang-ups they become like a weight that slows you down. When Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, he admitted that there were some things in his life he needed to let go of so that he could reach the goal that God had for him. He said, “… one thing I do, letting go those things which are past….” Have you let go of your past or does it still have a hold on you? Are you still haunted by memories of your past that disable you from experiencing the fullness of Christ’s joy, presence, and purpose? Voices that say, you’re not worthy! You’ll never make it! Remember what you’ve done!
If the great Apostle Paul had not let go of his past, he could have never stepped into the future that God had for him. But when he encountered the grace of God, he was able to say, “… one thing I do, letting go those things which are 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 3:13, 14 (BBE/NLT)
To put God first in our lives we must let go of our irreparable past so we can look forward to an irresistible future in Christ! His grace and forgiveness enable us to do that and more!
The Gospel is so much more than just letting go of things that slow us down. It’s about laying hold of all the promises and power God avails to us in Christ and looking forward to all He has planned for us! God has a race marked out for you to run. He wants you to run and not look back. Keep focused on the goal that God has for you! He wants you to win the prize for which He is calling you heavenward in Christ Jesus!
Now, put on those running shoes!
Prayer:
Today, Lord, I let go of my past. I cannot change it. I confess my failures to You and thank You for Your forgiveness and grace to begin again! As I let it go, I look forward to all that You have for me in Christ! Help me to run the race you have before me and win the prize for which You have called me heavenward. Thank You for the irresistible future I have in Christ!
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.