And yes, we all know that you haven't been programmed to be able to just forget. So Paul is telling you to make a conscious decision, and every time whatever from the past begins to affect you, remind yourself that it did happen or they did do it, but you've put it away. Remind yourself that even though you still don't quite understand all that happened, the good news is this, what was meant for bad; God has and will use it for good. And hallelujah! Whatever it was, you've been forgiven and the lessons learned should be used to make you a stronger and better person for whatever the future holds. Remind yourself that you choose not to wallow in the mess, gossip, and speculation. Why? You've made a conscious decision to have a clean slate in "2-0-0-8"!
And no, we must not stop here! Paul says it is now time to…"reach forth unto those things which are before, and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14)."
Did you hear that saints? The Word of God says that every time the brokenness of the past comes, we must resist the temptation to dwell on it and press towards wholeness and success that God has already provided. Or, as one of my favorite professors in Bible College would say, "Saints let me tell you something great about being a Christian (then he would ask, "You are a real Christian, aren't you?"), when God chose and called you He knew every mistake and bad decision you would make. He knew everything you would go through. He knew everything that would happen. And He still chose and called you! Now stop fretting about the past, crying over spilled milk, and wallowing in the past. Get up, follow instructions, and allow God to use you the way that He intended.
Just in case you're not sure how to get to the next phase, allow me to make one final suggestion and give you a model prayer to use: Start by reminding yourself that between 11:59 p.m. and 12 midnight on December 31, 2007, last year and yesterday ended. And if the devil for some reason knocked you down or you made a terrible or stupid decision, as you get up to get back in the fight, pray something like this…"Dear God, I have sinned against you, myself, my family, and my friends. I have no excuse for what I did and I'll openly admit that I was flat stupid. The good news, Lord, is I don't have to stay stupid. You promised in your Word that all that will confess their sin would be forgiven of their sin. I confess my sin (name what the sin or sins are); I receive and thank you for the forgiveness. I will forgive myself and I'll forgive others. I was weak and I allowed the devil to knock me down, but by Your grace and through Your strength I'm up and as instructed I will get back in the fight…I'm starting out with a clean slate in "2-0-0-8", in Jesus name…Amen!
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