It seems a universal desire to complete the will of God for our lives. The apostle Paul pushed through an awful past and a troubled life to finish his race. He stated:
“I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus; I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead.” Philippians 3:13 The Passion Translation
1. We can’t depend on our own strength
Human strength will tire quickly. God’s strength will endure. There is daily strength from just walking with God. There is also strength from doing His will and His plan every day. Paul endured numerous shipwrecks, beatings, persecutions and terror but got through it all with God’s strength.
2. We must forget the past (good and bad)
If anybody had to forget his past it was the apostle Paul. He had been responsible for many early Christians being persecuted and killed. In order for him to complete the purpose for God, he certainly had to forget his blemished past. But he also had to forget all the exemplary training and credentials for good as well.
Sometimes forgetting our past means to forgive ourselves. We also believe God forgives us and still can give us a future. But it also includes not dwelling on the good accomplishments in the past which could cause us to somehow coast and not pursue our future.
3. We must fasten our heart on the future
A compelling focus on the future will drive the past out of focus. What is compelling you to push through the past to tomorrow? To what are you fastening your heart ? The older I get, I realize you push past certain milestones like marriage and raising a family and starting a ministry. But it takes fastening your heart to God’s continued commission to make disciples that will keep you pursuing His greatest plan.
If you are stuck somewhere thinking it’s all over for you, let me encourage you to celebrate the past and then let it go and fasten your heart (your passion, your drive, your prayers and energy) on leaving a legacy on earth with people who need you. A compelling focus on what God wants will fill you with purpose throughout life. Love and bless others and lead them to Jesus!
