“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,” - Philippians 3:13 NKJV
To move forward in almost everything you do, one principle to adopt in your life is to intentionally forget what is behind as you reach on to what’s ahead. Unfortunately, some motivational speakers have used this in their talks, thinking it’s a natural principle. It works for some people but not without self-draining labour. However in Christ, when it comes to the fulfillment of purpose, it works for those whom God’s grace for good works is upon their lives. Now let’s break this down.
The same apostle Paul who wrote Philippians 3:13 also wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NKJV),
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
1 Corinthians 15:10 (NKJV)
So in Philippians 3:13, He speaks about pressing on to continue doing good works by forgetting what’s behind him. Then in 1 Corinthians 15:10, he gives credit to God’s grace for whatever he is and has done. That means God’s grace was responsible for all his advancement goals in his ministry.
God doesn’t supply His grace for what He hasn’t called you to do. So if you apply Philippians 3:13 to a wrong life assignment, don’t expect God to back you up. It’s far better to spend adequate time in the Lord’s presence knowing your specific calling than running around doing what you’re not assigned to do. However, if you don’t know your specific calling in Christ, do what God inspires you in your heart to do with all diligence. Help in the house of God with reverence. As you do so, and you keep hearing God, He’ll show you your specific calling in Him. Receive grace in your heart to serve God acceptably (Hebrews 12:28).
You’re a blessing.
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 043
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