Being Mindful to Move On

And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. Hebrews 11:15 (King James Version)

Where my mind goes my heart will follow. Often were the times the children of Israel longed for a return to Egypt even though it was a place of bondage. When life became difficult and they couldn’t see what lay ahead, they wished to be back in another place and time. This longing kept them from fully experiencing the present and anticipating the future. The heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 knew better. They knew that allowing themselves to think about the places they had been to rather than where they were at could affect their faith and focus. Their sites were set on what lay ahead rather than what they left behind.

I must determine, by God’s grace, to follow their example. As the terrain and lessons of my journey go through changes it is easy to think of the comfort zones of my past and yearn to have them back. There are certain circumstances and relationships that nurtured and strengthened me years ago and if given the chance I would probably opt for a return. But if that happened, growth would be stunted and moving forward would be impossible. Imagine a person forever being in kindergarten! Imagine an adult still being held and carried by their parent. What was at one time good and necessary for us would be an absurd hindrance now. The same is true in our walk of faith. It necessitates a ‘letting go and moving on’ lifestyle and mindset. While I may still recall pleasant moments in the past, it is imperative that I not allow the thoughts to consume me and captivate my attention. My main focus must remain on what God is doing in my life now and the direction He is taking me.

While God has used many individuals to help bring me to this point, I am aware there has been a shift. My ability to find my true identity in Christ and fully receive His unconditional love for me is requiring a letting go of many things. Allowing Him to meet my needs and satisfy me at the center of who I am will not be possible if I “return” to the past securities and shelters He once supplied for me. The growing pains of maturing in Christ are felt at times and it is then that I must take hold of Him rather than reach out for what use to be. My faith and my focus must ever be in and on Him.

Oh, to live out the truths of Philippians 3:13, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” May my desire be for Him.

Father, I treasure the memories with a realization that moving on is necessary. Many relationships have changed but growth continues. Help me to look to You for the care and nurturing my soul craves. Amen.