WEEK 38 – DAY 3

THE THINGS WE LEAVE BEHIND

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

One of Michael Card’s songs contains this fantastic line, “We can’t imagine the freedom we find from the things we leave behind.”  He speaks of Peter abandoning his nets and Matthew getting up from his tax table to follow Jesus. I think we could also apply it to Paul leaving all else behind in order to free himself to pursue the one goal worth attaining, a life hidden in Christ. There are many things we need to leave behind. I believe we all need to forget the same items that Paul has been talking about in Philippians chapter three – our past and our own claims to righteousness. We also need to leave sin behind (Hebrews 12:1-3) and not look back. Remember what happened to Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:17-26). We need to forsake our ideal life and trade it for God’s will for us (Matthew 16:24-27).

None of this will be easy.  Paul describes it as “straining toward what is ahead.” Watch the runners in the Olympics. As they near the finish line, they stretch out their bodies and strain toward that tape because milliseconds may mean the difference between gold or silver. Many times, it feels like we’re pouring our last ounce of strength into meeting the goals Christ sets before us. However, we have the assurance that the Lord’s own power is inside us, enabling us to continue the race.

Father, help us to jettison our pasts in order to lighten our load. Then infuse us with Your power to obey You and run the race You have for us. Help us to hear Your voice through Your word and godly preachers and gain insight into the course You have mapped out for us to run.