Everyday Heroes: Forward Thinkers
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those 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)
Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV)
Everyday heroes are forward thinkers. Forward thinkers are 'thinking about, planning for, or considering not just the immediate present, but the long-term future' (Cambridge Business Dictionary).
Forward thinkers consider “the beyond!”– “beyond” their current tears, cheers, fears, and years… to the conclusions our Lord promises.
Such as?
Beyond the TEARS of God’s children comes joy: 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5), Soon, He’ll turn our 'Mourning into dancing' (v.11). We’re wise to thank Him in advance and smile… as a remarkable witness to faith.
Beyond CHEERS of worldly wins comes failure, unless God gets the credit and glory: 'Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it' (Psalm 127:1), 'For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?' (Mark 8:36).
Beyond FEARS of defeat comes victory, 'For the Lord your God is He Who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you' (Deuteronomy 20:4). Therefore, thank God in the midst of your fears and, resolutely… continue forward!
Because beyond all the YEARS we call “life”, beyond this course of difficult hurdles comes a finish line the world labels “death” – but it’s actually a great doorway to an eternal life that has no end. Therefore, 'Run with endurance the race that is set' (Hebrews 12:1) before you.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
DO follow God’s warning and DON’T look back! Not at your mistakes, nor those of others. Not at your old life. Not at anything. Remorse and regret are old canceled debts. Tear them up, because Jesus paid your bill!
Also, if you look back (and not beyond), you may trip and fall at your next hurdle– instead of sailing above and beyond. 'By my God I can leap over a wall' (Psalm 18:29).*
And on that day, when you kneel before God, you’ll receive this wondrous commendation:
'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord' (Matthew 25:23).
Everyday Heroes: Forward Thinkers (Part 7)
* God will not stoop to lift second-guessers, nor stand up to award backward-thinkers.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!