Running from the Past

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

I feel like the past has a tendency to trap me in two different ways. I spend some time allowing my past to disqualify me in the present. This keeps me from going after what God has for me right now. This will also keep me from obtaining the prize God has for me.

The second way in my past traps me is when I start looking at where I have already been. While I know I have not obtained and still have so much work to do, looking at where I have already been keeps me from exploring deeper. “I have already learned this or know this” thoughts keeps me trapped in the past things I have learned instead of what God is doing now. This keeps me from doing the self reflection to allow God space to transform my thoughts and keeps me from going deeper.

Today one of the speakers at the Extraordinary Women’s Conference said “There is no such thing as a neutral discipleship“. To me, this means we are either moving forward or we are backsliding. I have to keep striving, reaching forward, towards what God has for me.

Running isn’t generally stationary, unless it’s on a treadmill or running in place. Running requires movement at a fast pace. I have to ensure that I’m moving forward and reaching towards the right things. I don’t want to get to the end of my race and realize I was in the wrong lane. I don’t want to obtain the wrong prize.

Lord, help me reach towards and run towards, striving for what You want from me. I want to stop allowing the past good or bad to hinder me from what You have called me to. In Jesus name amen