The Ultimate New Beginning

Dec 29, 2015 1449

Brothers and sisters, … 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 (Philippians 3:13-14).

Paul probably had a great deal to regret in his past life. He had been a high Jewish official. He had persecuted and killed many of the first Christians, and he had every intention of wiping them out. But he could not afford to dwell on those times. He had met the Lord and accepted his salvation without reservation. He had a job to do, and he was pressing on with it. What a resolution! It was a resolution that would be successful with the help and guidance of God.

God encourages us not to have regrets: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:18-19).

As you plan your new year, remember your ultimate goal, and remember the Companion who is by your side. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). This applies to the rough times as well as to the smooth. Psalm 65:11 praises God, for You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
(2 Corinthians 5:17). This is the ultimate new beginning.

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