Paul spoke about forgetting what was behind him and straining towards what was ahead. There are promises that God has declared over us and we are in a season of the manifestation of promises. Sometimes the challenges of the past, things that people did or said can weigh us down and cause us to dwell on them. We will not be able to move forward if we continue to dwell on what happened in our past. There are seasons to reflect and to discuss what we experienced. This should be for the purpose of extracting the lessons from the experiences. That and finding a resolution for what happened.
Once we have spent the time reflecting, we have to move forward. Have you ever caught up with an old friend who you didn’t see for years and the conversations felt exactly the same? Sometimes this can be a good thing and can feel quite nostalgic. Other times this can be stagnant or redundant especially when the line of discussion is immature. I have walked away from conversations like that marvelling about people’s inability to grow and move forward. This is especially when people are still regurgitating past hurts.
Being stuck on past mistakes and hurts can lead to bitterness and resentment. “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). I can appreciate that some abuses are difficult to get over and we may need the help of a Therapist to help us to work through them. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Counsellor who can heal both mind and emotions. We have to be determined to push forward even when it hurts. The only way to make progress is to keep moving and to continue to place one foot in front of the other.
We may not always feel like we are making big strides. Some seasons will feel like smooth sailing and prayers seem quickly answered. There are other seasons when it feels difficult and almost like an uphill climb. Victory is ahead of this mountain and as we continue to push ahead, we will make it to the other side of this season. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13).
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 