“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.…” Phil. 3:12-14
The wrapped gift was a 14×14 flat square. Immediately I knew it was a calendar. This one displayed breathtaking scenery with a calligraphy Bible verse for each month. I was wow-ed by the photography and anticipated opening each new scene while meditating on the attached verse.
What will the year ahead hold in store for me? More good days than frightful ones? Will I rise to each circumstance with holy attitudes and actions?
The enemy wants me to succumb to PTSD – Pre Traumatic Stress Disorder, note I stated “pre” not “post” because many of us fear the worst before an unforeseen moment arrives (or doesn’t). Worrying over circumstances yields useless and wasted moments. The negative what if”s send us in a tail spin. On the flip side, we have a choice to anticipate the future with hope and a belief that the best is on the horizon. We have the power to CARPE DIEM – seize the day, use it for the glory of God, and to build His kingdom.
The days of our lives are already recorded and known by God, albeit unknown to us. My prayer is for faith to believe God’s plans for us are good ones, that He’s working ALL things for good (even those which do not feel so good), and to be bold enough to step out into the unknown with confidence. After all, He promises to never leave us or forsake us!
With courage I look ahead to this new year. By faith, I put the first foot forward. May the mystery of the unknown unveil the beauty of what lies ahead.