By Cynthia Myers
“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, NIV)
I remember my father labors when he taught me to drive. His cardinal rules were simple: buckle my seatbelt and adjust my mirrors. He explained that the mirrors were there for my safety, and the safety and wellbeing of others. I started out with such promise! As my driving skills progressed, I became less concerned with checking my mirrors more interested in reaching my destination. Admittedly, my failure to follow the ‘mirror rules’ caused me to run over trash cans, bump into a tree or two, and almost squash a few people.
It occurs to me that what we see in the rearview mirror is behind us. Duh. This truth also applies in the spiritual realm. We can become trapped in the past — what was and what might have been. Living this way is unproductive and dangerous. Just as we cannot safely operate a car by looking in the rearview, we cannot — and must not — allow ourselves to become mired in yesteryear.
I am not suggesting that we develop spiritual amnesia. What I am saying is that we use the past as a reference point. Think of it as guidepost — not the final destination.
God has plans for our lives. These plans were set in motion before the foundation of the world. Despite what we may think or believe, we are more than the sum total of our past. Perhaps it is time we adjust our spiritual mirrors and see that God is drawing us forward to the promise of today and into a future beyond anything the mind can conceive.
Prayer: Lord, when the past threatens to steal my joy, please help me to remember that You have paved the way for me and all who believe. Give us the courage to live today and the wisdomto know we will spend eternity with You. Amen.
Outstanding article !!