Re-focus and Move On

"(13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, (14) I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God, in Christ Jesus."   Philippians 3:13-13.  NKJV

Paul was having his struggles and he wasn't there yet, but he was not going to let anything stop him from fulfilling the work of Christ and then, later on, receiving the prize - being with Jesus forever.

Life can be difficult at times. Even though you're a Christian, it does not hide you from what is happening around you. Things may come your way and floor you and you're left with a, 'Why?' There's no answer to this question at times. Things happen. As a Christian, people may lose their jobs, their house and their marriage may fall apart. There may be much more that happens but they all have to be faced and worked through. Sadly, for some, they may lose their partner - wife or husband, or perhaps other family members. There's no words that can bring comfort to these times. But as time goes on, there comes a realisation within, that something must be done in order to survive - it's an in-built thing.

The Apostle Paul speaks here about four areas that may help:

No 1
Press on. In other words, don't give up; find a way to keep going. Soldier on and keep right on to the end of the road.
No 2
Forget the past - that is the hurtful stuff. Don't think about the hurt that has been caused you. You can't change it, whatever may have happened. Don't drag the hurtful part of the past up; it slows down your progress and growth.
No 3
Take the happy memories with you. These keep a person going and are a treasure to hang on to. Let go of the bad ones, that is the pain of it all - there's life out there and God wants you to live it. Let go of the pain and grab the new.
No 4
Re-focus your thoughts about the future. Test new areas and seek your goal. Have a target to work towards and take a step forward.

None of this is easy but it is essential to ones survival. This is what Paul was discussing. He said, he was not there yet but he would keep on pressing on and that is what you need to do. 

Obviously, it depends on what has happened in your life; what pain has been inflicted upon you.     
Loss of a job or house can be devastating but, with time, can be resolved. Loss of someone very special takes much more time. 

Whatever you may be going through at this time, there is a way forward but take one step at a time - don't rush; take one day at a time. However, try and begin to realise, within your spirit, that as you press forward, Jesus will take your hand and never leave you.

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com