“Brothers, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to these things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of god in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV)
Change is not always easy. Sometimes, by the least of intentions, we end up in trouble or make wrong choices. Having a pity party or taking guilt or shame from Satan who comes to rob, steal and destroy (John 10:10) is not God’s way. We must let the Greater One inside help us get back up. We must stop letting circumstances and problems get us down.
Instead, focus on Jesus Christ and realize He is our Savior. When we are weak He is strong (I Corinthians 4:10). Don’t give in to depression or defeat! Don’t quit! To the overcomers is the victory (I Corinthians 15: 57). Jesus did not come for us to live a life feeling trapped. He came so we could have a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10 NLT). So, dare to rise up and become the person God created you to be. We must each do our part. Each of us is gifted and supplied with what we need. But just doing good stuff versus doing the will of Father God will lead nowhere. We must pray and obey—embrace God’s plan and ask for the Holy Spirit’s anointing, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me…” (Psalm 138:8 NKJV)
When God starts something in us He does not stop half way. He is faithful to His word, if we fall down 1 or 2 or 7 or more times, but we must get up. God has not given up on you or me, but some people give up on God. Don’t sit around expecting Him to extend His hand of grace and mercy. Reach up and grab His hand. God is a “can do” God and He will assist us over and over again as long as we don’t give up. Let your faith grow and mature. God will “…continue the good work He began in you,” (Proverbs 22:6) “that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God…” (Roman 12:2 NLT)
Remember, “…there is a time and season for everything, a time for every purpose under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Each season has a value and purpose. We need to learn appropriate actions and to avoid inappropriate ones. We must get ready and be prepared for what God brings in 2017. Learn from mistakes. Learn to forgive quickly so each of us can be forgiven (Matthew 6:12-16) and move forward into our next season. Once, each of us was a baby, a child, a teenager and finally an adult. He wants us to mature and “become teachers” (Hebrews 5:12, 15). How can we “train a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6) if we remain childish and self-centered?
Going through life’s journey and seasons with Jesus and the Holy Spirit enables me to be where I am today. As I monitor PTSD group’s progress, I believe I’m learning more than anyone! Looking back I can see that God has led me through many seasons to arrive at today. So wherever you are today, right now, let’s all learn everything we can, because God is preparing each of us to be used in the future . . . 2017, here we come!