Hebrews 12:2 – Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed — that exhilarating finish in and with God — he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honour, right alongside God. (MSG)

As I drive, I often check the rear-view mirror. The purpose, of course, is to drive more safely. I need to see if another vehicle is coming up behind me, or if someone is in the lane beside me before I change lanes. Of course, what I see in the mirror is where I have been.

In comparison to the windshield, the rear-view mirror is very tiny. I can't drive forward while constantly looking in the rear-view mirror. It is only for quick looks in order to drive safely.

Looking at our past can be likened to looking in the rear-view mirror. We can see where we've been. We can't keep going forward, though, if we constantly look at our past. That will cause problems — just like looking into the rear-view mirror in our cars in order to drive forwards — it just doesn't work. Off and on through life, we get a glimpse of our past. We make choices at that point — whether to become better or bitter. We can choose to forgive. We can choose to drive straight ahead and follow Christ.

Ephesians 4:32 – Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. (MSG)

Joshua 24:15 – If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (NASB)

Prayer: Lord, we all have a past. We all have good and bad parts of our past. Help us not to get stuck there, though. Help us to make the right choices and to keep following You. Amen.

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About the author:

Judy Miller <gjmiller@telusplanet.net>
Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada
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