Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13-14)
True love does not come with an on/off switch. True love is forgiving, acknowledging and understanding. It is supporting, uplifting, True love comes in many different forms - there is love of children, love of spouse, love of friends. Refusing to allow yourself to be used and hurt over and over does not constitute a lack of love - it amplifies one very particular love - love of self!
When we constantly look behind us, how can we see what's ahead of us? What would happen to a marathon runner if he constantly was looking back? We are in a race - the race of our lives. Our goal is to reach the finish line - heaven! Looking back at our past mistakes, our sins and our regrets (all forgiven might I add) takes our focus off of what lies ahead of us. We cannot change the events that brought us to this one moment in time. We, like a marathon runner, can look back and say "I should have exerted more energy here, I should have slowed down a bit here" but it will not change the our position at the finish line. We will reach it. If we're constantly looking back, it's obvious that we will encounter stumbling and falling, detours and mishaps. Only when we are secure in our footsteps, with our eyes on what is ahead of us, can we ever hope to realize the goal.
Being ready to accept the gifts of the Father can only occur if we are facing Him. He is not behind us - He leads us! He will not take us back in time and fix what we've broken, but He always will take us where we stand, moving us forward and blessing us as we go. Only through prayer, constant prayer, can we ever hope to be what He has planned for us. We must learn to let go of the sins of our past, of the pain and misery we've experienced (and inflicted) but that does not mean that we should become a doormat for more. It's time to start loving God and self before anyone or anything. Walking away does not mean that you love someone or something less than you should. Walking away from the past, heading towards the future means that you've accepted God's plan for you. Allow Him to open that door for you to a brighter future, a better life through Christ! Stop waiting for others to "catch up" - move out ahead and secure the prize! Move out ahead and enjoy what God has for you! Allow Him to be the focus of your run - let Him be your finish line - He'll be standing there with arms wide open to receive you!
