Quote of the Day - 3/30

We all encounter circumstances that can cause us to grow negative, bitter, or disappointed with ourselves or God. But I love what the apostle Paul said: "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal." In other words, Paul was saying, "I'm not going to dwell on yesterday's disappointments or my past failures. I'm not going to think about what I would have done or should have done. I'm leaving all that behind, and I'm looking ahead for the good things God has in store for me." That's the kind of attitude we should all have as well.

Every morning when you get up, refuse to dwell on what you did wrong the day before. Refuse to dwell on yesterday's disappointments. Get up each day knowing that God is a loving and forgiving God, and He has great things in store for you.

Paul said, "I'm straining forward. I press toward the mark." Those words imply a strong effort. It's not always easy to get over some of those bumps in the road, those disillusionments and disappointments. It's going to take a strong will. Sometimes, it may take courage; sometimes nothing but faith in God and sheer determination will see you through. But you can say, "I refuse to be trapped in the past. I'm straining foward knowing that God has great things in store for me.

When you make mistakes - and we all do - humble yourself and receive God's forgiveness and mercy. Be willing to forgive yourself. Don't live in regret. Regret will only interfere with your faith. Faith my always be present-tense reality, not a distant memory. God will turn those disappointments around . He will take your scars and turn then into stars for His glory.

Excerpts from Your Best Life Now