“…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 Messiah Yeshua.” Philippians 3:13b-14
“What’s behind me is not important”– Italian race car driver in scene from 1976 movie “The Gumball Rally”
Another year is behind us, 2018 is in our “rearview mirrors”. As we face this new year we cannot navigate what lies ahead by looking behind; to move forward we must look ahead. Looking behind us – focusing on the past- will not help- it will likely cause us to crash. Past accomplishments, trials and tribulations, things that were, who we were-is no longer important. We don’t live in the past-God has been graceful enough, merciful enough, to give us the now- how are we using it? Are we using it to advance towards the finish line, or are we killing time? Every decision, every thought, is taking a step, and hopefully it is a step forward on that course that Abba Father has charted for us, a course that likely looks much different than what the world would chart.
“My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27 We are not alone as we forge ahead – the Hebrew word/command KADIMA is often used by Israeli IDF commanders who lead by example-their troops follow him/her and so they advance in whatever task or situation they face. So it is with Yeshua…He is the General- our General-the commander of Heaven’s armies, and He beckons each of us to advance. He leads the Way, and His Word lights our pathway.
Beloved, there is a great cloud of witnesses waiting for us at the finish line, as we press ahead to the goal; following the Good Shepherd is our attainable task. Yeshua is right here with us-strengthening, leading, pruning us, sometimes whispering and sometimes shouting: KADIMA! You can do all things through Me!
Embrace the Divine Adventure. See you at the finish line!