Yesterday's Gone.

As the apostle Paul wrote, "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, NIV). These words remind us that our past, with all its trials and triumphs, should not define us. Instead, we should focus on the present and the future, trusting that God has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11).

When we cling to past experiences, we risk missing out on the lessons and opportunities that God has for us today. As Jesus said, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34, NIV). Today is the only day we have, and we must make the most of it, trusting that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

Releasing the past doesn't mean forgetting the lessons we've learned, but rather, it means not letting those experiences hold us back. As the psalmist wrote, "He has made my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights" (Psalm 18:33, NIV). God wants us to move forward, to press on toward the goal, and to trust in His presence and guidance.

The reward that awaits us is not just a future promise, but a present reality – the presence of God in our lives. As Moses prayed, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (Exodus 33:15, NIV). We must prioritize God's presence above all else, trusting that He will lead us through the streets of life, whether they be paved with trials or gold (Revelation 21:21).

Today, we may walk on man-made streets, but tomorrow, we will walk the streets of gold, bathed in the radiance of God's glory (Revelation 21:23). Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and press on toward the goal, knowing that God's presence is our greatest treasure.

—MC©️

#Faith2bStrongOnPurpose