Pressing Forward

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV)

I believe this scripture succinctly captures how I am entering 2019! If you are like me, you may have mixed feelings about how 2018 ends because some things must have gone well and others not as expected. But no matter how 2018 went for you, let's be reminded of Paul's words in the above scripture as we prepare to enter 2019.

As is customary for me and my family, I always see the need to be at Church every Sunday, and more so on the last Sunday of the year. But on Sunday, December 30, 2018, there were at least three reasons why I felt the need to skip Church. First, and probably the most logical reason, I had a mysterious swollen right hallux (that is the big toe) and for which reason, I needed to avoid wearing boots or any footwear that pressed on that toe. Second, my hair needed a touch-up and couldn't get that done before Sunday morning. Third, I had the sole responsibility of finalizing a co-authored paper that was due on December 31. However, I decided that despite these reasons, we will go to Church and so we did and I enjoyed the sermon very much and I am grateful to God that we made it. It is interesting to note that this Sunday (also the last Sunday of 2018) was one of the few times I had enjoyed listening to a sermon about making godly New Year resolutions. One important lesson I learned from the sermon was based on the following statements Pastor Bob made:

"You can't focus on where you are going until you can forget where you have been."....
"Let us not remember what God wants us to forget and forget what God wants us to remember."

I realized, while listening to this sermon, that dwelling on the past is like running a race backward. The past is gone and the only thing we can take from it is the lessons they offer for the future. Beloved in Christ, what about the past is keeping you from pressing forward? Growing up, my mother always required each of us (my siblings and I) to recite a memory verse after each morning's family devotion. One of the verses that were a favorite to my brothers was Luke 17:32:

"Remember Lot's wife." (Luke 17:32 KJV)

The usage of the above scripture by my brothers, while humorous those times, I believe is also heavy with a message to us as we leave behind 2018 and enter 2019. A little background to this scripture may suffice. This scripture was part of a sermon by Jesus to his disciples and served to warn them to focus on what is important. A summary of the story about Lot's wife: Lot had separated from his uncle Abraham to live with his family in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah. Now, God determined to destroy the land because of the wickedness that had engulfed the land and sent angel deliverers to get Lot and his family out of the land before the destruction of the doomed land. But on their way out of the land, scripture tells us that despite the strict warning not to look back, Lot's wife chose to look back and she became a pillar of salt, due to her disobedience. You may read the full story in Genesis 19. If the experience of Lot's wife is anything to go by then when God gives us the opportunity of a New Year, this also presents us with the opportunity to forget the failures of the passing year and to press forward towards our destiny by focusing solely on Him.

Also in Luke 9:62 (see below), we are reminded that a man (or a woman) is not fit to enter the kingdom of God after putting your hands to the plough and looking back.

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62 KJV)

Now, it is important to understand the context in which Jesus used this proverbial expression. He was referencing those who accept him and turn back to the world. I believe this proverbial expression is also applicable to situations where we are starting something new, like entering into a New Year. Looking back, if not for the lessons they offer, but to dwell on the setbacks, disappointments or failures, evinces doubt in the One who holds you in the palm of His hands. It is no wonder Jesus repeatedly encourages us not to look back.

As we enter 2019, I encourage you to keep pressing forward towards God's plans for your life and while you are at it, endeavor to keep your eyes focused on your Maker, who is Jehovah. Let the following names of God remind you of all that He is to you throughout the NEW year:

Jehovah Jireh - Yahweh our Provider: Genesis 22:12-14
Jehovah Rapha - Yahweh our Healer: Exodus 15:25
Jehovah Nissi - Yahweh our Banner: Exodus 17:15-16
Jehovah Shalom - Yahweh our Peace: Judges 6:24
Jehovah Ra'ah - Yahweh my Shepherd, our Way: Psalm 23:1
Jehovah Tsidkenu - Yahweh our Righteousness: Jeremiah 23:6
Jehovah Shammah - Yahweh our Light, ever present: Ezekiel: 48:35

Dear Christian Brother/Sister reading this, definitely set resolutions for 2019 and be guided by the SMART goals. But remember that to succeed, you need to commit all your plans to God as admonished in Proverbs 16:3. See below:

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Pro. 16:3 NIV)

I wish you all a fulfilling, blessed, prosperous, and God's presence-filled 2019!

May God Bless You!!!