Have you ever had a really hard time with someone you are around on a regular basis – a family member, student in your class, co-worker, co-student, etc.? When you’ve done nothing wrong – really, you haven’t – yet this person gets downright mean toward you, thoughts of more time with them leave you less than happy, to say the least.
After experiencing this myself, I awoke to the anticipation of more of the same antagonistic words and actions. I prepared myself to “be nice” in my own strength, while dwelling on what had already been done. How thankful I am that the Lord interrupted my thoughts (vain imaginations) to remind me, instead, of His Word:
Philippians 3:13 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead
Of course, Kay! Leave the past in the past. God’s grace was sufficient in the past. Even if I am treated the same way the next time, God’s grace will be sufficient for me then, as well. I will be able to walk in His love, not receiving the offense – no matter how many next times there are – as long as I draw on His grace.
2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.
Even to leave the past behind and forget what has been done to me requires me to walk in His grace. From there, I can lean on Holy Spirit to guide me through whatever comes, also in His grace, so the light of Jesus’ love will keep shining through me – even towards the most difficult individuals.
Leaving the past behind and pressing forward in His grace with you, my sisters!
