Sunday, January 19, 2025

BIBLE READING: ISAIAH 43:15-19 15. I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.” 16. This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17. who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

KEY VERSE: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth¹ unto those things which² are before.” Philippians 3:13

MEDITATION:

The past can be a heavy weight to carry. Past disappointments, failures, and hurts can cast long shadows, hindering our progress and robbing us of joy and peace. But God, in His infinite grace, offers us a way to break free from the shackles of the past: to forget the former things and embrace the new things He is doing.

This concept of “forgetting the former things” doesn’t mean we deny or repress our past experiences. It means choosing to release the grip of past disappointments on our present and future. It means refusing to allow past failures to define us or dictate our destiny.

The Story of Allyson Felix: A Testament to Resilience

The story of Allyson Felix serves as a powerful illustration of this principle. After facing a significant setback with Nike, she could have easily allowed bitterness and resentment to consume her. She could have allowed the disappointment to derail her career. Instead, she chose to rise above the situation. She embraced her motherhood, returned to training with renewed determination, and ultimately achieved even greater success.

Allyson Felix’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s incredible capacity for resilience and the power of choosing hope over despair. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can rise above our circumstances and achieve extraordinary things.

Finding Grace in the Face of Disappointment

When faced with disappointment, it is crucial to:

Acknowledge and process the emotions: Allow yourself to feel the pain and disappointment, but don’t dwell on it. Acknowledge the hurt without allowing it to consume you.

Seek God’s comfort and guidance: Turn to God in prayer and seek His comfort and guidance. He is a faithful friend who will never leave you nor forsake you.

Focus on God’s promises: Remember that God is a God of restoration and new beginnings. Hold onto His promises for your life and trust in His plan.

Learn from the past: Analyze the situation objectively, identifying any lessons learned and areas for growth.

Embrace forgiveness: Forgive yourself and others for any mistakes made. Forgiveness is essential for healing and moving forward.

Embrace new beginnings: Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Be open to new possibilities and embrace the unknown with faith and courage.

God is Doing a New Thing!

Isaiah 43:18-19 declares, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

This powerful passage reminds us that God is constantly at work in our lives, even when we cannot see it. He is always doing new things, opening new doors, and creating new opportunities.

Just as God made a way through the Red Sea for the Israelites, He is able to make a way for you in your own wilderness. He can turn your disappointments into triumphs and your struggles into testimonies.

Practical Steps for Moving Forward:

Identify and release past disappointments: Spend time reflecting on past disappointments and consciously choose to release their hold on you.

Set new goals and pursue them with passion: Define your goals and pursue them with renewed energy and determination.

Surround yourself with positive influences: Spend time with people who encourage and support you.

Practice gratitude: Focus on the blessings in your life and cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Trust in God’s timing: Trust that God is working all things together for your good, even when you don’t understand His ways.

Conclusion

Living above past disappointment is not easy, but it is possible. By choosing to forget the former things and embracing the new things God is doing, we can experience the freedom, joy, and fulfillment that He desires for us.

Key Verses:

Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart³ and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”⁴

Psalm 30:5: “For his anger is but for a moment, his favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”⁵

Prayer:

Oh Lord, I release the hold of past disappointments on my life. I choose to forget the former things and embrace the new things You are doing. Help me to trust in Your plan for my life and to live with hope and expectancy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 44-45; Matthew 14:1-21