subject: Forget The Past And Look Ahead [print this page] God introduced Himself to Moses as Yahweh: I Am. He was not concerned about Moses' worries about the past and inadequacies; He was only interested in the now and what He was going to do. He also stressed it in a parable: "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Lk. 9: 62)
Being familiar with farm life, I know that in order to plow in a straight line your eyes must be focused on the horizon. Looking just in front of the implement will not keep it straight, and looking back will really mess up the direction.
As we saw with Lot's wife, looking back represents a longing or a tug inside your heart of what is behind. This could be whether your past was good or bad. If you're longing for the good 'ole days, you won't want to grow in God's will, and backslide. If you dwell on the hurts of the past, they snare you into bondage.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. I am doing a new thing!" (Isa. 43:18-19)
The Lord wants you to always look ahead. Like a toddler who is hurt and runs straight to his daddy for comfort, so He wants you to run into His outstretched arms. He loves you as if you are His only son. Yes, you are loved as much as Jesus because you are hid in Him!
God knows your pains and trials. But you need to know that He is there for you all the time, and that the Blood of Jesus flowed for all sinners, including those who have hurt you. He loves saint and sinner alike, and only He will execute judgment. It is not up to you to withhold forgiveness from your perpetrators.
As you have been forgiven unconditionally, so you must also forgive. That releases you from the pain and resulting sins of resentment, anger and disobedience. Reliving the anguish of the past causes anxiety, fear, depression and physical illness. Forgiveness, on the other hand, releases love, peace and healing!
Forgiveness does not mean condoning what was done. In essence it is telling God: "You deal with it; you are the judge." Unforgiveness, on the other hand, is telling Him: "Hands off; this one is mine. I will deal with it!"
Is it any wonder then why you keep feeling worse, and no matter how much you pray, you do not receive any healing or breakthrough? God did hear you! He knows your decision to play God by taking matters into your own hands, and He will not go against your will!
My friend, step on the plow and focus on the Glory in front of you. The time is so very short. Do not miss out on all the glorious blessings He is waiting to give you!
Remember: "You can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you! (Phi.4: 13) He is standing at the horizon, waiting to wipe away your tears and restore you!
