December 30
Forgetting the Past,
Embracing the Future
Brothers and sisters, I don’t think I have already reached my goal or become perfect.
But I keep working toward it, so that I may be able to take hold of what Christ Jesus has taken hold of me for.
I forget the things that happened in the past and don’t keep thinking about them.
I keep looking toward what is ahead and moving toward the goal to win the prize that God offers by calling us up to heaven through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 NIrV
Rachel stared at the list pinned to her fridge: "Quit smoking," "Lose 5kg," "Learn basic Mandarin." Every year, the same resolutions, the same fleeting determination, the same inevitable failure. This year, though, felt different. A gnawing sense of discontent had settled over her, a feeling that she was stuck in a rut, unable to break free from the cycle of self-sabotage.
She longed for a change, a deeper transformation, something more than just superficial resolutions. The thought of quitting smoking felt overwhelming, the cravings already looming large. The weight loss goal, a constant source of frustration in previous years, seemed insurmountable. And learning Mandarin? Where even to begin?
Doubt gnawed at her. "What's the point?" she muttered, the familiar voice of self-defeat creeping in. "I'll just fail again."
Suddenly, she remembered a verse she had read that morning: "I forget the things that happened in the past and don’t keep thinking about them. I keep looking toward what is ahead..." The words resonated deeply.
Rachel realized that her past failures were holding her back. She was dwelling on her shortcomings, allowing them to define her. But what if, instead of focusing on her past mistakes, she focused on the future, on the person she wanted to become?
A new resolve surged within her. She knew it wouldn't be easy. Quitting smoking would be a challenge, losing weight would require discipline, and learning a new language would demand consistent effort. But she also knew that she didn't have to face those challenges alone.
She turned to God in prayer, asking for the strength to overcome her weaknesses and to pursue her goals with perseverance. "Lord," she prayed, "I know I can't do this alone. Give me the strength to resist temptation, the discipline to stay on track, and the courage to keep moving forward, one step at a time."
She began to see each day as a new beginning, an opportunity to grow and to move closer to her goals, trusting that God would provide the strength and guidance she needed along the way.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to forget the past and to focus on the future you have planned for me.
Give me the strength to overcome my weaknesses and to pursue my goals with joy and confidence.
May I live each day with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that you are with me every step of the way.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
