1 Timothy Chapter 1: 12-14 (NIV)
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
Philippians Chapter 3: 13-14 (NIV)
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.
Paul understood the concept of grace – the undeserved favour of God. He knew what his life had been before and he also knew that God now had different plans for him. That was what he focussed on. He didn’t swell on regret for what had happened in the past, much of which could not be undone. He’d been complicit in the murder of Stephen for example. But he also, more importantly, knew what it meant to be forgiven, and was prepared to walk wholeheartedly in the plans that God had for him. He received God’s abundant grace with grateful thanks and praise.
We shouldn’t dwell on the things we have done in the past, or on the disappointments we have faced. We need to bring them to God and leave them with Him, and move on in His abundant grace. Paul told the Philippian Church he had to forget what lay behind and press on to what lay ahead. That’s an important lesson for us all.
Dear Lord,
I know its easy to look back with regret, but its not always possible to physically go back to put things right. I can choose to take Your grace, abundantly given, and move forward. Help me to do that with praise and thanksgiving. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.