Reaching Forward

“....reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”   Philippians 3:13 NKJ

Stretching the neck, scanning the horizon, and shading the eyes with the hand in order to see at a distance;  these are all expressed by the phrase... “reaching forward”.   Paul is telling the Philippians to forget the past and start looking ahead.  He knew what he was talking about since he had earlier persecuted the church and consented to the stoning of Stephen  (Acts 7:58).

Paul had to learn to put such negative memories behind him and get on with his life.  Instead ofallowing the past to become an unbearable burden of weight to him, Paul simply dropped it to the ground and used it as a stepping stone to the future.....  “Reaching Forward” is a good exercise for all of us.  It simulates “Hope”... it puts us in a state of “Expectancy”... it declares that what has been is only a prelude (introduction) of what is yet to come.... Yesterday was good... today is better... and tomorrow will be even better still.  

“Reaching Forward” anticipates outpourings of the Holy Spirit, miracles, answered prayer, etc.  As Christians, we have so much to look forward to...  the Salvation of our families; the evangelism of ourcommunities, the revival of our churches, and most of all.... the blessed hope of Christ’s return for His Church.    “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

WOW!!  What a future we have to look forward to........  Praise The Lord! 

Pastor Jody