“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,” (Philippians 3:13, NASB95)
“What Lies Ahead” has been the title of at least one movie and several books. Some of the books are about Bible prophecy. As much as I love prophecy and the exciting reality that God has told us some of His plans for the future, “what lies ahead” is more about this present life. The Christian life. Walking with Christ. Serving Christ until His return.
“What lies ahead” is contrasted with “what lies behind.” For Paul, “what lies behind” was mistakes. Failures. Sin. Murder. Most of us fall into two broad categories: what others did to us and what we did to ourselves.
Perhaps “what lies behind” for you was abuse or abandonment or neglect from the choices of others. “Forgetting” is impossible. Ridiculously impossible—it’s forever burned into your memory. Perhaps you are wrestling with why God allowed it. You’re angry and bitter.
You need to know that God can handle that. We can’t know all the reasons He allows what He allows, but we do know He will someday bring an end to all the horrible things people do to each other. We know He wants to heal you.
Not to oversimplify, but it begins with a change of perspective—turning our focus from the abuser to the Healer. From the parent or spouse that is now AWOL to the Savior who is ever-present. That focus is the key: turning your thoughts from “what lies behind” to Christ—His word, His promises, His love. “What lies behind” does not define you. In Christ, you are a new creation. You have a future in Christ. He will heal, restore and renew.
Paul’s example and teaching provide tremendous hope for those stuck in “what lies behind.” He wrote, “One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.”
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