No Looking Back

“. . . And let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

The King James Bible uses the word patience in this verse, which sounds more passive, not as assertive as the Amplified Bible’s “endurance,” which is the meaning here. Persistence suggests you are in it for the long-haul, doing whatever it takes to carry out the task at hand. Running life’s race of faith requires steadfastness and stamina because the route is not always challenge-free. Sometimes the path leads uphill and other times, downhill. Sharp curves may take you by surprise, but with God alongside you, you can make it. Obstacles will fall across the way, but like the hurdler, jump over them (or run around them); just don’t quit.

 Even though you hurdle those barriers that fall, they can still stunt your performance because sometimes, they are of our making:

Regrets: Dwelling on past transgressions causes stagnation; it does nothing but harm. Although it is impossible to find all the loose feathers once you shake them out of a pillow, you can find peace with your Maker. Look for and receive forgiveness from God and, if needed, the offended party, and move on.

Guilt or Shame: Those mistakes you made are behind you. You asked God to forgive you, and He did. No matter how grave they were, stop looking back and wondering, What if. Thank God for His grace, learn from your mistakes, and continue forward. And though some failures sprout consequences, they need not cause stumbling. Accept what God allows and seek His wisdom and strength to deal with any ripples caused by your poor choices or failures. God’s love never diminishes—He wants His best for you.

Debilitating thoughts often tear believers down quicker and do more damage than the enemy of our soul. But our minds stay healthy and at peace if we follow these instructions from the apostle Paul: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT).

Each day draws you closer to the prize that awaits. Keep running with unwavering confidence in the One who called you. Set your face like flint toward the finish line, no looking back. Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, is waiting for you.