Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
You cannot change the past and you cannot live off the past. You cannot press forward if you are living in the world of yesterday. What we have before us as God’s people, is greater than anything that could be behind us.
Are you crippled by the memories of shameful memories? Stuck in the past because of some sin or failure? Don’t you understand that the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sins? You are clean and pure in Christ. While you won’t escape all the consequences of sin in this life, you stand white as snow before God. You are hidden in Christ. Have faith in the saving blood of Jesus and press on. Paul was a hated man. He was hated by the Jews, hated by false teachers, hated by other churches, even hated by some of the churches he pastored. The memories of past hurt, past sins, past failures didn’t cripple Paul in the service for the Lord today. The Lord’s mercies are new every morning and in the light of God’s love, God’s sovereign plan, and God’s providential care, Paul pressed on. If you have dealt with your sin – if you have come to Christ, confessing your sins and asking forgiveness and done what you can to make it right with others (if you sinned again others as well); know that you are forgiven and rest in the grace of Christ Jesus.
Are you slowed by the good memories of the past? You cannot live off the past and expect the past devotions and past service to bless your soul. You may not be able to do as much as you could, or your life may be drastically different than it was. Paul’s counsel (from prison, no less) was to press on. Paul could have thought about the good ole’ days when he was free to roam the roads, preaching the gospel as the Lord had led.
No, Paul had to press on. He did what he was able to do, where God had placed him. There was no “going backwards” with Paul. If anyone could have lived off past service, it would have been Paul. But if nothing else, he would preach to the guards, write epistles, pray for saints. He pressed on. Maybe you cannot do what you used to do. In God’s providence he has changed the scope of your life or time has just taken a toll. Do what you can do now, and press on at the pace you are able.
Old Past let go, and drop i’ the sea
Till fathomless waters cover thee !
For I am living but thou art dead ;
Thou drawest back, I strive ahead
