“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NAS)
We weren’t exactly ready for the Pro Bowling Tour. Strikes and spares seemed to elude us—one or two pins were left standing to mock us on a regular basis. “That shoulda been a strike!” we said many times. So, our team became “The Shoulda Beens.” It was perfect.
I want to shout out that very same thing some days. There is a real danger, spiritually and emotionally, when we look too much at what should’ve or could’ve been instead of what is. This is a battle for me. The reality is that we all have stuff in our yesterdays that can provoke regrets and guilt. Our past does play a role in who we are today, but God is lord of our past, present, and future. He knows all about our “shoulda beens,” and the struggles we have because of them.
“ . . . forgetting what lies behind . . .” This word is true and exactly what God wants us to do—to move on. However, I think we are also supposed to have “selective memory.” That is, the Lord wants us to be encouraged by remembering His faithfulness in the past. Think back on all the times that God came through for you during a challenging circumstance or seemingly impossible situation. “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.” (Isaiah 46:9, NLT) Maybe He supplied the money for a necessity, or He filled you with peace when something hurtful or tragic happened. He promises to give us everything we need, when we need it: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippian 4:19, NIV)
What He says in His word we can count on. Period. What a comfort that is! “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8, NAS) So, we can go forward from all the “shoulda beens,” whether those were of our own making or they were imposed on us from other sources. He promises to be with us as we move on. If He carried us through before, we can be sure He will again.
Lord, help me to always remember Your faithfulness to me in the past, knowing that You will also be faithful now and in the future.
©2013 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved