Mar 12 2012
Keeping the past behind
Gen 19.15-26 and Phil 3.7-14
There is a good reason why windscreens are bigger than rear view mirrors. It’s more important for a driver to see what’s in front than what’s behind. If someone decided that what was behind was more important they would want to make the mirror the size of the windscreen, but doing that would make it impossible to see in front and the driver would not be able to move forward.
Christians are people trying to get somewhere, but so often we let our past (what’s behind) mess up our future (what’s in front). ♦ We are supposed to be encouraging others and ministering to them, but all we can talk about is what “so and so did to me”. Lot’s wife was warned not to look back, not to dwell on the past, but did and became a pillar of salt – something that is stuck and bitter.
Forgiveness is a vital part of moving forward. When we forgive someone that rear view mirror is minimized to the proportion it is meant to be. But for this to have real effect; for us to be free; forgiveness must be from the heart. Here we have to hold our hearts before the Lord in prayer and confess what is found in them.
Some find it easy to forgive, others find it hard, why is this? The Bible actually tells us. In Lk 7.36-50 we come across the woman who was forgiven much and so loved much. Loving someone includes forgiving them. When we realize how much we have been forgiven it’s easier for us to forgive. In fact we could say that to be unforgiving is to be self-righteous. If you struggle to forgive, try reminding yourself in prayer of all the things Jesus has forgiven you; then try forgiving that person again.
Fear of failure also holds us from moving forward. Often we say ‘’I can’t; it’s who I am”, “my family’s not musical”, “I’m the shy type”, “I can’t stand kids”, ‘’I’ve given up on marriage”, ‘’I was never academic”. We import the past into our future closing off the precious new possibilities. Don’t let who you’ve been stop what you can be.
Christians are called to be a people of hope and a future (Jer 29.11). Like Paul we need to forget what’s behind and lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold of us (Phil 3.12-14).
Satan will try to block our path like he tried with Jesus; and when he does we are to respond the same way “Get behind me Satan”. In other words: “get out my way and stay behind; get out of my windscreen and into my review mirror!” I challenge you to put the past behind you, and to lay hold of the future!
March 19, 2012 @ 9:30 pm
That’s wonderful , needed to hear that. My family members have done me many wrongs and I have been praying to forgive them but I find myself talking about it and remembering the pain . Please pray for me that I may forgive them and love them again. Right now am not talking to them because in many occasions that they did me wrong, I forgave them and in a way of finding peace, I talk to them but again they hurt me and made me feel so low. To me they talk to me only to get something but after that they have no regard for me. What should I do? I love them and would love that they love me the same. Thankyou
March 19, 2012 @ 10:39 pm
Hi Esther. Sometimes forgiveness involves an inner battle with the heart and mind. Here its best to keep approaching God with fresh repentance. Holding our heart before God in prayer helps us to sort it out, but often we have to approach him again and again. If you can fight the temptation to talk about your family it will help you heal quicker. Talk usually underlines our hurt all the more. If you have to talk, talk to God, but always allow him to shine his light on your heart and to remove what he wants too. Its good that you hold the hope of mutual love with your family, but sometimes you have to hold your ground so that they value you more. Pray for God to give you wisdom in this.
April 20, 2012 @ 7:59 pm
Lovely, thankyou Gary. Its amazing how important it is to let go of hangups, hurts.
April 23, 2012 @ 5:28 pm
Hi Esther I ” FEEL ” you, and thanks Gary for a practical advise. Its worth trying not to talk about ‘them’.
April 29, 2012 @ 9:03 pm
Amen, thats a blessing message. As christians we have to focus ahead. As the photo grapher aims at the target, we too need to focus to our Lord Jesus so as to please him by our faith and actions.. God Bless you alot.