Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded"....
This passage of scripture teaches us the importance of looking forward with optimism to the future, even though we know from the Bible that perilous times are already here. It's of very great importance that a positive attitude of faith and trust in God be cultivated at all times, because such a disposition affects our success at anything we put our hands and minds to do. A genuine faith in God does not discount difficulties and real dangers, however it is never to be intimidated, or dissuaded from pressing forward with a course of action that has already been approved by God.
In the above passage the apostle Paul states that the experiences that were behind in his own history do not impede him in anyway from pressing forward vigorously to the prize that was before him, and in his history there were many experiences and actions taken by him, which if permitted, could have caused him to become discouraged and turn back. As the graphic imagery of Stephen being stoned to death arose in his mind from time to time, he must have been become very disturbed at the thought that he was instrumental in the slaying of one of Christ's most faithful servants, and thoughts of regrets must have haunted his mind on several occasions.
Then again, his relentless persecution of the newly formed Christian church, prior to his conversion caused him much sorrow and anguish, for he must have thought to himself that the men and women who were formerly imprisoned by him, could now have been active servants and missionaries in The Lord's vineyard, and thus the very thought that he ignorantly aided satan in an evil work, must have weighed very heavily on his mind. Let's read:
Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
But in, and through all these terrible mental ordeals, Paul never lost faith in The God of Jacob, Abraham, and Isaac, and as he deeply repented of his former deeds and sins, he was assured of pardon by Christ, who hates the sin, but loves the sinner, and that's the reason why Paul considered himself chief of sinners, but also recognized that he was highly favored by God, because of the choice he then made when confronted by Christ, on the road to Damascus. When he was arrested in his ongoing plots to persecute Christ's disciples, he humbled himself under the mighty hand of God, and a knowledge of his sins and contrition, gave him the opportunity to retrace his steps as far as possible, and then to work just as zealously in the building up the kingdom of God, he so recently sought to destroy. Let's read:
Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
In our own life experiences, we too may have thoughts of vain regrets, in that we wasted valuable time and energy, chasing an elusive dream, or like the apostle Paul, have squandered precious moments in building up satan's kingdom, before we were rescued by Christ. And like Paul, we too should never allow the regrettable incidents of the past to weigh us down with doubt and negative sentiments, but should rather use the former experiences as stepping stones and learning curves to set our hearts and minds steadfastly toward God and heaven, so that the crown of glory which will be given to conquerors, may also be ours.
Let us therefore always remember that God sent His Son into the world to save sinners, and all heaven is engaged in this sacred work, with energy, desire, and determination that cannot be fathomed by any mortal mind. Thus, with the realization that God still loves us in spite of our many sins and errors, we can now face the future with fortitude and courage, knowing that God will do everything He can to bring us into His haven of rest. A positive attitude that rests in the assurances and promises of God will then energize and sustain us as nothing else can, and if like Paul we are faithful to the end, an abundant entrance into God's kingdom will be ministered unto to us, when Jesus comes to claim His own.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages a positive outlook on life, by keeping our gaze and focus on Christ, for He is faithful, who has promised. Let's read:
Psalm 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!