Philippians 3:13-14 “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.” (NIV)
In our life we generally have 3 periods of time we live in; the past, the present and the future. In my years of working with people with addiction and co-dependency problems I have found a common trait to be that of procrastination. Procrastination is born out of having a fear of the future because of an inability to overcome the fears created by the past. This type of living causes us to get “stuck” in the present.” As we all know fear is from the devil and he enjoys observing us standing in place and doing nothing, especially if we profess to be Christians. In Philippians 3, Paul, the previous persecuter of Jesus and His followers, tells us to forget about the past and press on toward what is ahead…if Paul is able to let go of the past then all of us should be able to do the same.
Many years ago when I was in my last quarter of my last year of pharmacy school I had to present a case study to a group of doctors and colleagues at a hospital where I was doing a clinical rotation. The presentation was to be 30 minutes long. I had spent hours researching and compiling information in order to present my case in an excellent way. This was the first time I had ever spoken “publicly.” In order to make a long story short, the minute I started to speak I began stuttering and getting stuck on words…I stuttered and stammered for 30 minutes and bullets of sweat were rolling off of my forehead throughout the presentation. I was never so embarassed in my life.
Here I am, almost 30 years later and most of my life is spent presenting and speaking to others and it comes to me “almost” naturally. The reason I used quotations around the word almost, is because today I always ask God to speak through me when I speak with or to others. Whenever I have a “big” presentation I ask God to give me His words and to help me present them in His way and it always seems to work out.
How many times have we let our fears from the past prevent us from future blessings? If past experiences are not useful for today’s living then “let go and let God.” If you are one of those who are unable to let go, then try the 12 Steps or seek counseling…life is simply too short to spend your time stuck in the present because of past fears that are preventing future blessings.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact God did not send his son to die for our sins so we can just sit still and do nothing. If you are one of those who call yourself a Christian but spend the majority of your time dwelling on past sins or inadequacies it is time to tap into the power of Christ and start living forward. Later in Philippians 4:13, Paul gives us the key when he says; “For I can do everything through Him (Christ), who gives me strength.” (NIV) The key is giving “it” to Him and seeking his strength.
Where are you today? Are you “stuck” in the present? Try practicing what it says in Philippians and press on with a life powered by Jesus instead of fear. I write from experience. 🙂
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
