Have you ever found yourself in a spiritual slump? Maybe you are in a season when your prayer life is a struggle? Maybe trusting God is a stretch? It could be you are in a place when the past is paralyzing you from moving forward to get on God’s plan for your life?
You are not alone. I have been there. The Apostle Paul found himself there too. Philippians 3 is somewhat of an autobiography of Paul’s life. The first eleven verses recap his past. However, in Philippians 3:12-17, Paul addresses his present and his future.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. (Philippians 3:12-17 ESV)
I love this passage! Paul reveals at least three intentional steps to move forward in your personal life, in your marriage, in your family, in your finances, and in your spiritual life.
Step One: I must get over myself.
Paul says I don’t have it all together… I still have a long way to grow. I haven’t arrived. Paul says I’m not perfect. It’s important to know where we are before we chart a course for where God wants us to be. If we do not honestly evaluate where we are, we cannot move forward.
What are the areas of your spiritual life that needs improvement? What areas of your marriage and family need improvement? If we aren’t honest about where we are we can’t move forward. Paul was honest and was over himself.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my oh, because Jesus Christ has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-13)
What will prevent us from moving forward? Pride will slow progress. And Paul gives us a great example of being over himself.
Step Two: I must get over my past.
“…but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13)
Sometimes our memories manipulate us. Sometimes our past creates barriers in a marriage or a relationship. Paul says if he is going to move forward and be all that God wants him to be, he’s not going to waste anymore time on yesterday!
D.A. Carson said, “Christians should never be satisfied with yesterday’s grace.”
When we forget we don’t let the past control us anymore. It’s possible to learn from the past without dwelling on the past. Spiritually growing people learn from the past, and once they learn the lesson the Lord has for them, they let it go and move forward.
Human nature is to remember the things we should forget and forget the things we should remember.
There are at least two things we must get over regarding our past – our failure and our success.
So many Christians are continuing to rehearse things in their heart that God has long since forgiven and forgotten. Nothing we do will ever change the past. No tears, regrets, self- pity. The past is past, over, and dead.
In the same way, we must learn from our success. The problem with success is that it make us complacent and fills us with pride. Then we stop growing and learning. That’s why the Bible says that pride comes before the fall.
Step Three: I must get in on God’s best.
God’s purpose in establishing the Church is to reach people. The Greek word for church, ekklesia, literally means “called out ones.” God calls us for the purpose to share the Good News of Jesus in every neighborhood, in every office, in every school. in every community, in every city, in every nation. That is our mission. That is why we exist as a follower of Jesus. Must never lose sight of that. That’s where the adventure is and that’s where God’s best is!
A Special Note: If you are in a situation or place where you feel stuck in a pit and cannot get out of it. The best next step for you might be sittting down with someone to talk about what you are walking through in life. If you need a counselor, ask your pastor or email me for recommendations. I would love to help!
What am I missing? What steps have you found helpful in moving forward?
