No Roads to Yesterday
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 Philippians 3:13
I read an article by Evangelist Tim Green with this title and, of course, my mind started reminiscing. It is nice to be able to look back at what once was, but it is impossible to go back to those times. By God’s design, we can only move forward and forward and forward until we are finally taken home to glory. Tim Green stated that life is a play with no rehearsals and in most instances, there are no second chances.
We must always be aware of the truth that our times are in God’s hands. Isaiah was sick unto death, and he prayed requesting healing. God in response to his prayer healed him, extending his life by another fifteen years. As a sign of God’s promise to him, God turned the clock back on him, extending his life.
While the idea of turning the clock backwards sounds good, it would mean that all the positive things which have been achieved would be lost. It reminds us that God’s plans are not only right but brilliant beyond our understanding. As God told Israel long ago, we must fear the Lord, walk in all His ways, love Him, and serve Him with all our heart and soul (Deuteronomy 10:12) and know that the future is secure while following His ways.
From another perspective, we need to recognize that we are living in the last days of the last days. The rapture of the church is imminent, and we need to focus our attention on that return. The Ukraine situation is terrible; we wonder what else is brewing in a world that has so turned itself against God. No, we should not be given to worry because God is still on the throne of heaven and He is sovereign over all. Our trust must be in Him and not on mankind. Do we really believe that He could return at any moment?
Indeed, we should be concerned about world conditions, especially recognizing that so many people are not prepared to meet the Lord. There are so many who will face unbelievable atrocities in the Tribulation Period and then end up spending eternity in hell. Are you concerned about their spiritual and eternal welfare?
As far as us “old folks” are concerned, we must choose to move forward. The Apostle Paul said – 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 (Philippians 3:13). If we are to keep moving forward, we need to have short memories of the past and a clear direction as to what God wants in our lives. As long as we are still here, God has much for us and much for us to do. We must not waste too much time looking in the rearview mirror.
George Stiekes serves as a Lay Pastor at Bethany Bible Church in Hendersonville, NC. See here for a more complete bio of brother Stiekes extensive ministry. We republish his material by permission.
Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash