Move Past Yesterday, Embrace God’s Unfolding Plan

Truly I am humbled and delighted to be here with you once again on The Morning Joy Experience. 


Coming off an unexpected health challenge, a subsequent operation and 2 weeks sick leave, I had a lot of time to reflect and be revived in the Spirit. 


But I return today, not to dwell not on the past, but to look forward to a greater, brighter future that the Lord has already prepared for me. 


I know that many of you would have gone through or are going through some challenging times right now - you lost loved ones, your relationships are in trouble, the bills are piling up and not enough money is coming in to pay them, not to mention the aches and pains.


It is very easy for us to think about all the bad that has happened, but we must be encouraged to stay strong in the Lord, get past our past and embrace God’s unfolding plans for our lives.


Not to say that it’s not necessary to reflect on the past, not to say it doesn’t do us any good pondering on wha could-have-been and what we should-have-done. That can indeed provide some perspective as we forge ahead and become who God wants us to be. However, we cannot dwell on the past to the extent where it hinders our emotional and spiritual growth.


I want to suggest again to us today that the overriding focus for us as maturing Christians, should be for us to embrace the future that God has designed for us. 


Because truth is, bad stuff will happen. But as Christians, we know that our God is always working to create new opportunities for us, in spite of the bad that seems to be dominating.


In Isaiah 43:18-19, AMP, the Lord declares, ”“Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past. “Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.“

 

The Apostle Paul also urges us in Philippians 3:13-14, to forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead, press toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.


I’ve found that when I’m sad, it’s because I’m focusing on the failures of the past or dreams not yet realized. And I’ve realized that in order to perk up and become happy, content, joyful, I must focus my energy and attention on the future that God has prepared for me.


And that’s my encouragement for all of us. Do not dwell on yesterday, a past that’s gone and we cannot relive, or the mistakes or regrets that we don’t want to relive anyway. 


There are so many promises in the Word of God that should buoy us up and make us hopeful and joyful.


Salvation, eternal life and forgiveness of sins - promised in John 3:16 and Romans 10:9.


Guidance and wisdom when we seek Him, promised in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5.


He promises to provide - Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:33.


God promises to be our Strength when we are experiencing weak moments, our refuge and fortress - Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 46:1.


God promises to comfort us in times of sorrow and to give us peace that surpasses understanding - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and Philippians 4:7.


He promises to be there for us always, to never leave us nor forsake us - Hebrews 13:5 and Matthew 28:20.


Family, our God also promises to give us the victory - Romans 8:37 and 1 Corinthians 15:57.


And if we believe in and remain faithful to Him, He also promises us eternity with Him in heaven - John 14:2-3 and Revelation 21:4.


So today, we are encouraged to not dwell in yesterday, move past yesterday, and embrace God’s unfolding plan for our lives. What’s ahead is so much better than what’s behind us.


Let us trust in God’s infinite love and wisdom, so that His perfect plan for each of us will unfold — a plan filled with hope, purpose, and abundant blessings.


29April2024

www.zjoyvi.com

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