Look to the Future -- And Press On!

It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone already.  Time seems to pass more quickly as we get older.  As C.S. Lewis said, “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”

As we look ahead to another year, we wonder what it will hold.  I don’t know what the year holds, but I do know who holds the year.  I know that God is in control.

This year may bring promise, and it may bring pain. It may bring triumph, and it may bring tragedy. There will be happy days, and there will be sad ones.  But I enter into this year like every year: with great hope in God because I know that He is on the throne and is in control of all things, including our lives.

God has a plan – He always has a plan.  Sometimes it may not appear that way, but He does. The Bible says that God, “…does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?” (Daniel 4:35b)  But there are times when we say, “God, what are you doing?” “Are you paying attention?”

The answer is yes. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)  To me it’s a great relief to know that I am not a victim of the "fickle finger of fate'' or "dumb luck."  I don’t believe in luck and I don't believe in coincidences; I believe in God!  I believe that God is sovereign, and He alone is in control of my life.

God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8)

We see things from a certain perspective as human beings living on this globe called Earth.  We see the immediate, where God sees the ultimate.  Our world is the here and now.  God’s plan is panoramic.  He is in control of our lives, leading and guiding us.  But I think it’s a good idea to periodically re-evaluate what we are doing.  I think it’s a good idea to ask ourselves, “Is this a wing, or is it a weight?  Is it speeding me on my way in the race of life, or is it slowing me down?”

The Bible reminds us to “…throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1b)

What may be a weight to one person may not necessarily be a weight to another.  For example, we all have different metabolisms.  We all are built differently.  Some can eat whatever they want and never gain weight.  I admire those people, by the way.  But I am definitely not one of them!

The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth, “Everything is permissible"-- but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"-- but not everything is constructive.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)

There is a place for re-evaluation and reflection as we begin a new year.  I think it’s a good time to reflect on what God has done.  When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to set up twelve stones from the Jordan as a monument of what God did for them.  It is good to think back on what God has done.  It is fine to revisit the past.  But just don’t live in it.

Jesus gave this warning, “Remember Lot's wife!” (Luke 17:32) Why would I want to remember Lot’s wife?  She and her husband were living in Sodom and Gomorrah, a wicked city.  God told them He was going to judge the city, and He sent angels to bring them out of Sodom and Gomorrah.  As they were leaving, the angel warned them not to look back.  Lot and his children left the city, but Lot’s wife couldn’t resist, and she looked back.  It wasn’t just a causal glance.  It was a deliberate look. She looked with longing.  She couldn’t let go.  And the Bible says that, “…she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26b)

The first step toward going backward is looking backward.  But we break the power of the past by living for the future. Maybe you’ve been crippled by past failures, past sins.  You have your regrets. But more serious than making a mistake, is repeating it. Learn from your mistakes and fail forward. Don’t keep doing the same foolish things again and again.  Forget them and put them behind you.

Shakespeare wrote that “What’s past is prologue.” [1] A prologue is the beginning of a story. Your story is still being told.  My story is still being told. Our story is still being told.  You may be in the beginning of your story.  You may be in the middle of it.  Or, you may be nearing the end of it.  But it’s a story God is writing.  So let’s not live in the past because there is still more to do.

That is why we must press on, even when it gets hard.  There are times when the temptations are strong or the obstacles are great, and you wonder whether you can go on another day.  The answer is yes, you can.  Press on!   “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b–14)

Paul is painting a picture of an athlete.  Think of a runner in the last lap of the race.  He is utilizing every ounce of energy, every muscle is straining.  He can see the ribbon.  Pain is wracking his body. He only has a little further to go.  He knows it’s better to have a few moments of pain than a lifetime of regret.  So he presses on.

That is what we need to do.

I don’t know how well you’ve done this past year.  Maybe you’ve stumbled in some way.  Maybe you’ve messed up.  The good news is that God gives second chances.  So, let’s make a commitment or re-commitment to Him. 

Don't let yesterday's failures derail you from the goal of your upward call.  Press on for the prize until you meet the Lord Jesus at the finish line.

I would like to mention my new book, The Man with No Legs: "My Journey with God" 

It tells the story of how, after trying to evade God for decades, despair finally woke me to my need for Him. Life has been a long and winding journey back, yet full of adventure. The Alaskan Interior, villages of India, and poverty of Haiti all saw God using me in amazing ways. Just when everything seemed on track, disaster struck! Both of my legs had to be amputated. This is the story of how God got me through, and even used it for the spread of the Gospel. Today, He is still guiding me with His Presence—and the adventure is not over! 

My book can also be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. 

[1] William Shakespeare, The Tempest, Act 2, Scene I.