Philippians 3:13
…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Have you ever noticed that it is easier to walk toward home than it is to walk away from home?
I remember walking home from kindergarten once. It was only a couple of blocks but it was a freezing winter day, and my corduroys were chafing me. The only thing that kept me going was the thought of my warm home. That focused thought made the walk home a lot more bearable.
People often mistake focus as what makes a good soldier, pastor, or a good business man. The fact is, these guys are still around because of their focus. Unfocused people don’t last very long, no matter where they are. Day-dreamers and distracted people get taken out of the action. Focusing on thepath set before you is the only way to survive.
The path set before us by God isn’t a fairy tale. The path set before us is as sure as a concrete sidewalk. God has a future and hope for all those who set their minds on Him and hunger for His righteousness and salvation.
There is a saying that some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. I don’t think that is possible. I don’t know anyone that is so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. The more you think about heaven, and the prize that is waiting for you, the more good you do on earth.
Forget the things that are behind us, mute out the noise, and put on blinders like a good race horse. Focus on the task at hand and down the road without getting distracted. Know where you are going and why you are going there.
Have you made the decision to focus on the present and future, and forget thepast? Many people don’t fully understand what that means. They ask themselves, ‘Is that possible? Is that a wise thing to do?’ Worst yet, they wonder, ‘How can I forget something that’s happened to me?’ One definition of the word forget, is to disregard intentionally or to overlook the negatives and positives (even victories).
You have to choose to disregard your past so that it doesn’t keep you from moving forward. That means the negative things as well as the positive things. Sometimes our past victories keep us from rising higher as much as our past failures. If we don’t let go of the old, we’ll never be able to embrace the new.
The best thing waiting for all of us is in the future, heaven! The angels singing Holy Holy Holy and the crown that we will throw before our Savior’s feet.
It’s time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice to live in the present, and going forward. RIGHT NOW! Focus on things we can do something about. Trust that God has a better future in store for you.
Repent of your sins and believe in your heart that Jesus died for you! Choose to believe that He is resurrected and waiting for you in Glory. Trust that He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you forget what lies behind and press forward, you will move forward. You’ll see increased joy, happiness and blessings as you focus on the path and walk out the victorious life He has for you!
Is it possible to selectively forget? God does! He wants us to do it to! We need to teach others that as well, especially the children who are under our care and guidance.
Hebrews 8:12
For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
Focus on today, be a blessing to those God has put in front of you. Pay attention to your family, to your kids. Listen to wisdom from your elders. Enjoy and win today, as we continue on our journey home.