Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13 NIV

It can be tempting to look at the good or the bad things in the past and get stuck in reflection. Someone might feel that their best days are behind them, and the future may seem discouraging. Someone else may look at the sinful lifestyle they have lived and suffer so much guilt and shame that forgiveness seems like an impossibility. We are not perfect creatures, but we can strive to be more like Christ each day as we strain toward what is ahead.

The Lord Has Plans for You

In Christ, we are forgiven for what we have done in the past. Beyond that, we are promised a hopeful future. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. NIV” To do the good work of God, we must push forward, developing and refining ourselves in Christ, straining toward what is ahead.

This verse from Philippians leads us in the proper direction. Addressing his brothers and sisters of faith, Paul admits he has not yet taken hold of the perfection of Christ. He likely never thought he would accomplish perfection while alive, but he indicates that he is heading in that direction, straining toward what is ahead.

We can learn a lot from the past. However, we will not move forward in life looking at the past. We have to focus on the task that is set before us. As Christians, our spiritual goal is to become more and more like Christ. Let us then focus on the good things of God, leaving the past behind and keep our eyes and intentions on the Savior.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Resurrection