Today’s scripture: Philippians 3:12-14
When I recommitted my life to the Lord over 22 years ago, I adopted Philippians
3:13-14 as my life verses. Short story: Although I’d asked Jesus to come into
my heart when I was six years old, I’d allowed some painful situations to take
me away from my child-like faith. For twenty years, I walked a deliberate path,
one that was far from my Lord, and I made some really poor choices.
For a time after I found my way back to the arms of the Father, I’d beat myself
up with regret over those twenty lost years. If only I’d been stronger. If only
I’d clung more tightly to Jesus. If only …
Then God blessed me with these verses. I don’t have to live in the past. I
don’t have to continually berate myself for former choices. When I asked Jesus
to take over my life—completely—and forgive me for all the things I’d done that
were wrong and selfish and rebellious, He forgave me. He washed me clean. He
removed my sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
I didn’t have to look at what had been. Rather, I could look forward to what
God had planned for my future. I could anticipate being used for His glory, to
serve others. I could delight in knowing that, one day, I’ll receive the prize
of eternity with Christ Jesus.
These verses have been a comfort and have encouraged me countless times. And I
praise God for the assurance I have that He has truly forgiven me. That He
continues to work in and through me. That the story isn’t quite complete.
I can press on, knowing He’s beside me all the way.
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