THE PAST IS THE PAST”
Philippians 3:13b-14 – “…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
As we close the chapter in our Journey for 2022, I urge you to leave all the negativity, the disappointments, the severed relationships, the lies, the deceit, the hurt, the sickness, the depression, the shattered dreams, the loss of hope, the stifling fear, the uncertainty about tomorrow, the unconfessed sins, the gossiping, the backbiting, the idleness, the cruelty, the unforgiving spirit, the indecisiveness, the bad choices, the lack of vision, the lack of income, and the unexpected failures all behind you. Do not bring any of that into 2023. Why? Because the past is the past!
It does not matter that you feel you missed the mark! It does not matter that your marriage did not work out, your child is cuffed to illegal substances, you did not get the job you just knew you had landed, your best friend no longer communicates with you, your house was foreclosed, your car was repossessed, your brother or sister, niece or nephew was senselessly shot down in cold blood, the doctor gave you a bad medical report, your loved one died and left you all alone and vulnerable, you did not get accepted into the university you really wanted to attend, you went places you knew you should not go, you said things that were not becoming of a Christian, you did things in the dark you would never want anyone to find out about, and you did those ungodly things with someone you should not have been with in the first place, you are not happy in the mental or physical state you are in, you did not attend worship service faithfully and regularly when the doors reopened, you did not pay your tithes and your free will offering during the pandemic because you felt you could not afford to, you did not volunteer or agree to serve in ministry at your local church, or you just cannot seem to get your relationship right with God. Why? Because the past is the past!
We serve a God of another chance – not just a second chance! The bible states in (Romans 3:23), “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” However, the answer to that dilemma is found in (1 John 1:19), “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Ain’t that good news? (Acts 17:28a) reminds us that, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being;” If we are in Him and He is in us, we always have an opportunity to get it right! As you crossover into the new in 2023, do not waste your time, effort, and energy on the past. Do you know what the word “past” really means? It is defined as 1) No longer current; gone by; over; 2) Having existed or occurred in an earlier time; bygone; 3a) earlier than the present time; ago; b) just gone by or elapsed. It is difficult to drive forward while looking backwards. And as you continue to move forward, you will notice, all the things in the rear-view mirror begin to look smaller until they completely disappear out of your view. Why? Because the past is the past!
Please take the time during this year end to reflect on the things you were not able to complete in 2022. Make a list and then bring those things before the Lord! Get deep into His word so that you will confidently know what His will is for your life. Listen, some of the things on your list just might not have been in the will of God. Seek Him diligently because He is a rewarder of them who do just that. Once you are clear on your direction, write the vision down and review it daily so that it stays in your head and in your heart! Then set small achievable goals for completing the task. Put one foot before the other as you move forward in your purpose and in your destiny! Speak these words repeatedly until they reside deep in your spirit, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” May God grant you bountiful blessings immeasurable in 2023. Happy New Year!
BBlessed! Abounding Love Bible Ministry © 2022