The apostle Paul compared the Christian life to a race in which we all participate. Paul wrote that we should run in such a way as to gain the prize.
Part of running a successful race is staying focused and looking ahead. When a runner turns to see what is behind them, they run the risk of tripping or falling behind.
We as believers are wise if we heed this rule in our race of eternal pursuits.
Today, I was reading about the prophet Samuel. God had just instructed him to anoint a new king because He had rejected King Saul.
As soon as Samuel learned of this matter he began mourning, and the bible says he was angry and cried out to the Lord all night.
Nevertheless, God’s resolve was firm, and Samuel was instructed to anoint a new king.
Samuel continued mourning and finally God had to get his attention with a question and a few instructions.
God said:
“How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”
Samuel needed to be reminded that God’s plans were the best plans. He needed to let go of what once was, and move forward with God leading the way.
There are times in our lives when God may need to get our attention with that very same question.
“How long will you mourn for what once was?”
“How long will you mourn for what may have been?”
“How long will you mourn for what cannot be?”
God desires that we would “fill our horns with oil and be on our way” (or rather His way).
God has great things in store for those who walk after Him in obedience but, if we do not stop looking behind us, how will we see what lies ahead?
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 3:13-14
Seriously -that was inspired!
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