The Past

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23:1

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11-12

Do you wrestle with the past? Maybe how good it was then… in comparison to your current situation? Does the enemy work on your emotions making you despair in the present? The Israelites had the same issue when spending just a short amount of the time in the desert after being freed from 400 years of captivity. They wanted the little they ‘had’ in the past rather than the freedom and promise that God gave to them. The past can be used to torment you mentally and emotionally by the enemy of your soul. God wants you to look ‘forward’ and up to His promises and glorious kingdom that awaits us who are His. The BEST life is ahead not behind. This IS the Truth! DO you believe Him? Do you believe His words and promises? 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:1-7

Don’t be like Lot’s wife who loved so much what she had that she had no other hope, and she ‘looked’ back. Many times we are reminded of the ‘good’ times in the past and for those we should be forever grateful to God for His goodness towards us… but … what He has in store for us FAR surpasses ANYTHING we’ve ever had before. Is that the reality which now permeates your soul and mind? Or is it a longing for the past? What is it that we should do if we struggle with our current situation pining for what once was?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Do we understand the ‘joy’ set before us? It was that ‘joy’ that helped Jesus endure .. the extreme torture and pain of the ordeal He had to go through … for you and me. Have you asked the Lord to help you understand that ‘joy’? Have you asked the Lord to help you comprehend that ‘joy’ in a greater way? Do you ‘know’ it in the depths of your soul and heart the greatness of what He has prepared for you … for all of eternity? That ‘joy’ (Rhema revelation of what is to come) is the real strength to endure … anything this world can throw at you. 

As times get tough, and the physical body wears out .. we must look ahead .. and not look back. As Hebrews 12:2 says … “looking to Jesus”… this isn’t just a ‘platitude’ but an actual action on our part. It is a decision to look at Jesus instead our current situation, and reminding ourselves of what is ultimately our goal and what He has prepared for us. That glorious reunion is still ahead for those who are in Christ Jesus. It IS the great promise of God, to be with Him and all of those He loves.

Look ahead today. Set your mind on forward movement and what He has for you today. 

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