Feeling Discouraged? Reach Forward!

Here is a simple bit of wisdom to live life by.  Especially if you are feeling discouraged.

Philippians 3:13-14(NKJV)

13Brethren, 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, 

14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

"forgetting those things which are behind"

Stop looking back and wondering what if.  Stop looking back and blaming.  Stop looking back!  It is what it is!  Learn from it and move on!

"Reaching forward to those things which are ahead" 

Why?  Because it is a physical demonstration of our persistence and hope.  And what promise are we standing on when we do that?

Romans 5:3-5(NKJV)

3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 

4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

That's right.  Hope does not disappoint!

"press towards the goal"

We have to have goals in life.  It's what helps us grow as a person.  Those that have goals tend to continue to grow.  Those that don't have goals don't.  If we stop learning new things and growing, we block a lot of blessings that God would like to bestow on us.

"the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"

Why are we going to do all of that?  Because God said to.  Because it is part of what is required of us to serve God through Jesus Christ.  And isn't that reason enough?