Moving Forward

December 31, 2012

Moving Forward

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, 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 Christ Jesus." Phillipians 3:12-14

Moving forward! This is my prayer for the year to come. There is much to be thankful and greatful for...and much to learn from the previous seasons of my life. There has been progress and growth and on the same token, have been stumped and "stalled out." I reach a peak, and stumble back down...way back down...to the valley of doubt.

And though there were many great moments this past year, I tend to look back at my shortcomings more often than not. Who did I fail? What did I miss? Am I a Godly husband? A Godly father? A brother under Christ? Did I miss my opportunity to share Jesus? Am I Jesus at work? Is work going well? Am I well?

[Doubt]

Who did I hurt? Sarah? Yeah, probably more often than a loving husband should. My girls? mmm, don't even want to remember...makes me want to cry. My family? Too often, unintentionally or not. Friends? Check. This list can go on and on...

[Doubt]

...but I want to come face to face with Jesus. How did I do this past year? Did I do well enough? Am I a bright light like the morning star or salt of the Earth as you call me to be? Are you pleased with me?

[Doubt]

You know, nevermind, that's...that's a question I never want answered until I arrive at my goal. I know where I stand with my inequities, and it doesn't look good. I am a sinner...through and through. I fall short. And will continue to fall short...

[More Doubt]

...but please, please...

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old." Psalm 25:5-6

It's a new year. I will look ahead. Like Paul, I know I haven't obtained anything or reached my goal, but I will press on. I know I have failed in many areas, but I will not dwell and will forget what is behind. My goal is in front of me and with God's love and forgiveness, I will reach my goal. I will reach my peak and will stay there in heaven with Christ Jesus. There is no doubt in Jesus...only victory. And through Him, my doubts are covered and conquered.

Moving forward! That's my prayer in 2013...moving forward in Christ!!! Not living in the past, but in the now, moving towards my goal!