Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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." Philippians 3:13-14
Two weeks ago, Molly Huddle lost the 10,000 meter race at the World Championships in Beijing by .09 second after she raised her arms in victory before she crossed the finish line. That small mistake gave her teammate the opportunity to pass her and claim the bronze medal. At last Monday's New Haven 20k Road Race,she came back to be the first woman to successfully defend her U.S. 20k title. Speaking about her Beijing experience, she said, "It obviously doesn't make up for it, but it is a step in the right direction." By not looking back at her past mistake, she was able to press on toward her goal.
Like Paul, who held the coats of those who had stoned Stephen (the first Christian martyr) and persecuted hundreds of Christians, we all have things we have done in our past that we struggle with, things that keep us from moving forward. But when Paul said that he was "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.., " he knew moving forward was crucial in achieving the prize God had called him to. And he knew that looking to what was behind would only take his eyes off the goal. How about you? Are you letting the past hold you back? Have you lost sight of the goal?
Let today be the day we take a step in the right direction too... towards Christ and the life he has planned for us. A life free from the past and full of hope knowing we are forgiven!
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. When the past comes up Lord, remind us that we are new creations and help us to press forward that we might be, undeterred by guilt and, focused on the goal of knowing you and serving you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org
That was then - Josh Wilson
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