UNSTOPPABLE

"Don't look back. Never look back." Watching a show on Netflix with my husband last night and one of the characters said these words. She had been told as a young track team runner to never look behind her because the runner behind her would see her looking back and would see her as weak. The other runner would then overtake her.

Lot's wife looked back. (Genesis 19:26)

Without traveling back in time, I can recall painful words spoken, sins committed, and hurts inflicted. These were my sins against others. I have confessed my sins and been forgiven by the One who suffered the most, Jesus. Without looking back, I remember. Those moments are in the past. All that should linger into today's moments are the lessons learned and the knowledge I have been forgiven. I have received grace and mercy. Goodness I could never earn.

When I look back, I give today's moments away. I shave away minute by minute the joy that could be today's, the minutes where the lessons make me stronger. In looking back and being tethered to the past, I allow the opponent behind me to see my weakness. He overtakes me with thoughts of guilt. When the opponent sees me looking back, setting my eyes on the pain others have inflicted upon me, he sees the opportunity to advance. I get caught up in anger, bitterness, and shame.

When I keep my eyes focused ahead of me, focused on the finish line which is in heaven, I have endurance. I gain strength and momentum with every step. Every heavy step becomes another small victory. I add a little more distance between me and the opposer, the accuser, my would-be-captor. I draw one step closer to the Redeemer, the Savior, the Lover of my Soul.

My feet are heavy some days. Some days they are light. Some days I feel like the enemy is on my heels. Other days I feel like I'm winning. The difference isn't that life is easier. The difference is my perspective.

Matthew 16:17-18 NLT, (emphasis added)

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

THE ENEMY WILL NOT OVERTAKE ME!

I am a disciple of Christ, a student, an apprentice, striving each day to be a better imitators of the One who rescued my soul. Because of His love and my faith in Him, I am going to finish the race and my focus will forevermore be fixed on Jesus.

Press on, my friend. Keep leaning in. Keep listening. Be captivated by His Grace!