Grace Upon Grace

Look Forward

Do you tend to focus on the past rather than the future? Sometimes I get stuck in past regrets and failures, which make it difficult to move on. However, God is calling us to look forward and to focus on what lies ahead.

While on the ranch, Steve and I owned and boarded several horses.  At the beginning our this venture, our experience with horses was very limited.  To be on the safe side, we decided to take some lessons and signed up for Horseback Riding 101. 

Our trainer would often say, “Keep your head up, eyes open, and look where you are going.”  Amazingly, a horse senses every movement of its rider’s body, including the eyes.  Therefore, the rider’s job is to determine the path he or she wants the horse to go.  The rider directs, not the horse.  Consequently, the eyes of the rider help to navigate the horse.

Look Forward

Philippians 3:13-14 says:  No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.  I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Whether riding horses or following Jesus, we need to open our eyes and look toward our intended destination.  So often we are tempted to look behind.  Granted, it’s easy to get stuck in the past.  But keep in mind, our heart goes where our eyes are pointed.  God is urging us to look forward, where our heavenly prize awaits. 

In the above verse, the Apostle Paul encourages us to look ahead with intensity and purpose.  He says to press in.  In like manner, we are to have laser vision and focus.  We are told to leave the past behind.  The past is the past. However, the future holds promise and potential because Jesus is waiting for us!

O Jesus, I realize the direction of my gaze is vital in both horseback riding and traveling through life.  Help me not get distracted.  I know that if my eyes are looking forward, my heart will follow.  Jesus, thank you for calling me.  I long to see you face-to-face!  In your precious name, Amen.

Questions to Consider:

1. Do you struggle with looking in the rear-view mirror of your life?  Explain.
2. How can you be more intentional about keeping your eyes forward-looking?