Final thoughts on Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. NKJV
Do you roll your imperfections over and over in your mind, until they are the only part of yourself that you can really see? Are you paralyzed by the sins of your past? Are you harboring pains from your past that you just can’t seem to let go? You are not alone. Most people, Christians included, spend more time staring at their pasts than they spend looking toward their futures.
But, did you know that God loves you just as you are? I’m sure you have heard someone say it before, but do you really know it deep inside of your heart? The One who knows you better than anyone else, thought you were worth dying for. He came to earth so that you could trade in your sins, mistakes, and pain, for His righteousness, perfection, and peace.
Paul tells the Philippians that he is really only focused on one thing – forgetting the past, and looking forward to what lies ahead. What if we all made that our New Year’s Resolution – releasing our past to Jesus, and receiving our futures in Him?
Have you committed grievous sins or made unbelievable mistakes that have haunted and tormented you ? Release Them! Have you held on to pains from hurtful experiences in your past? Release Them!
Jesus is ready and willing to carry all of your burdens, if you are finally ready to hand them over to Him. But, if you really want to stay free, you will have to walk in forgiveness; not just with those around you, but also with yourself.
Why not start this year fresh and new? After all, that’s what Jesus came to offer you – a fresh start. So why not take Him up on His offer? I can tell you from personal experience that it is definitely worthwhile.
Bethel Bible Church Hawaii 