Forget And Look Forward

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.

Philippians 3:13-14

I had the privilege of speaking at a Sweet Monday outreach in Sweet Shannon’s neighborhood. Her theme was “Pretty in Pink,” and she encouraged all the women to wear pink that particular night. Putting on my pinkest, fluffiest—some may say gaudiest—pink sweater set was so much fun. Shannon also asked me to please drive my beloved pink truck to her house so her children could see it.

When I arrived, her two young children were peering out through the glass front door. They were wearing their pink pajamas, anxiously awaiting the arrival of my pink truck—which I had simply forgotten to drive! I felt sick to my stomach and so embarrassed. I try so hard not to disappoint anyone if at all possible, and definitely not a sweet child.

After a heartfelt apology and sweet laughter from the children, I was reminded of God’s Word to us through Paul in Philippians 3:13. Even though I believe he was exhorting us to forget past successes, the phrase about forgetting what is behind and looking forward to what is ahead kept running through my mind in a concrete way. Forgetting to drive the pink truck that day was not a sin, but I was still weighed down by my error.

I felt the sweet soothing of God’s grace, reminding me to forget everything holding me back from peace and joy. He removes our sin completely when we admit and ask for forgiveness. That frees us to move forward confidently with Him in all life situations.

When we focus on what’s to come, the serious troubles of sin in this life diminish in their power to crush us. But what is ahead for us? Heaven and an inheritance “that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:4, NIV). This anticipation should tickle us pink and be truth we never forget.

Wear pink tomorrow or just think pink. Forget what is behind! Look forward to forever in Jesus Christ. Remember that the fields are pink for harvest as we tell others the Good News about Jesus.