“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12–14, NASB95)
While the Apostle Paul was not talking about a new year in these verses, I certainly believe that they relate particularly well to this time of year. As I write these words, only about eight hours remain in 2013. Unless Jesus comes, 2014 will arrive very soon! Like many readers of this blog, I use Facebook as a tool to stay connected with hundreds of friends and family members. Today has brought posts by many people recapping their feelings about 2013. For some, 2013 has been a year of great blessing and joy. They are praying that the new year brings comparable blessings. For others, 2013 has been the most difficult year of their lives, and they look forward with anticipation to a year that hopefully doesn’t bring the same pain. For most of us, 2013 has been a year that cut both ways. It’s been both a year of blessing and a year of tears. No matter which of these categories you may fall into, the reality is that 2014 is almost here and with the turn of the calendar comes a new year to live.
A new year of life is nothing to be taken lightly. If the Lord blesses you with another year of life, then by all means make sure you live it to the fullest for Him. That’s what the Apostle Paul was speaking of in Philippians 3:12-14. When he stated that he was “forgetting what lies behind…” he didn’t literally mean that he wouldn’t remember it. In fact, he had been through some unforgettable circumstances in his life! Paul was saying that nothing in the past was going to stop him from living to the fullest in the future. That should be your heart as well.
If the Lord has given you life, then He has a purpose for your life. If He has given you life and a purpose for your life, then you have a future. Believe God for it. Go for it. Live with all your heart and all His might! Press on into 2014 with faith and courage.
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