Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. Philippians 3:13

 Change, many of us, including myself, don’t like change. We are comfortable in our current setting and any change to a routine can cause frustration, uneasiness, even anxiety. As I get older, changes to my schedule or patterns of life are less welcomed. But, the last two days, God has been speaking to me about change and the benefits it brings.

 If your life was a book, could you say you’ve gone past the “Preface” and created a few chapters? Looking back over my life, I can say I have many chapters, some good, and some not so good, but they’ve marked seasons in my life that have shaped me into the person I am today. The decisions I make, my likes and dislikes, my thoughts, even my faith has evolved, hopefully for the good.

 One of the challenges to change is fondness of the past. It’s easy to live in the past, with memories that brought certain “highs” and we long to get back to those days we considered sweet. But those memories don’t provide anything new in your life and leave you anchored to what “was” and close the door to new opportunities, new relationships, and a fresh start.

 The apostle Paul noted the importance of change in today’s verse. Literally forgetting what was in his past, and reaching forward to those things which were ahead. You might be thinking right now about certain things in your past (good or bad) that you can’t seem to move past. I truly believe that is Satan whispering those memories to hold you short of what good things God has instore for your future life. You literally have to ask God to tune out the whispers of Satan and open your heart, mind, and soul to God for Him to move you to the next chapter of life.

 God has a new chapter ready for you to dive in and enjoy a fresh start and receive the good things He’s got planned for you. Let go of your past and be open to what new things are scripted for the new and better you! God bless!