NO TURNING BACK

12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

Phillipians 3:12-14 (MSG)

It is safe to say that 2015 is almost in the record books. As we close in on the end of the year, one can't help but to wonder and reflect on if your year counted as a "good" or "bad" year. We often like to trick ourselves into thinking that this year was the best year ever as we describe it to others but the truth is, for some of us, that couldn't be farther from the truth. My wife and I most definitely saw some challenges this year. From financial struggles, to moving across states back home to Alabama, it has been a challenging season for both of us. But often times through these tough situations, we are stretched far beyond what we could imagine. I love the church. I love everything about it. I grew up going to youth camps and singing in the choir, mostly trying to get affection from some girl I was crushing on at the time. I always knew I wanted to have some involvement in the church when I became older, so my wife and I decided to move to New Orleans to help plant a church in one of the greatest cities on earth. When we arrive, the excitement was just overwhelming and we were ready to see what God had in store for us. I quickly realized that what I had planned, was totally opposite of what was taking place. My job at a local retail store, started to take over my time and I soon felt isolated away from the very thing we moved for. Dealing with past hurts from the church when I was growing up, you can imagine this began to be difficult for me. I wasn't able to do the very thing I knew God called me to do. The truth is, I wanted to quit everything all the together. Throw in the towel and I am done. My wife was able to attend all the meetings, all the events, and services with our friends and staff members and I was left in the dust. When I was able to attend, I was so far behind in everything that was going on, that it felt pointless to even go. This began to drive me insane. So one day when I was at home by myself, I exhausted the only option that I had and that was to fall on my face and just begin to pray. And when I tell you that I cried, I mean you got the whole light show, with tears and mucus coming out of places I didn't even know could produce it. I was broken and a mess. Can I tell you, that God specializes in broken pieces. He is a masterful artist. I heard the Lord tell me "Adam, you were never meant to start anything, You were meant to heal up and continue what I have called you to do." As people we are eager to look at what our past has produced, and oblivious to what the future is holding. Often times we see our current situations as a product of our past and therefore, it dictates how we experience our future, but I want to challenge you today. That instead of reflecting on 2015, focus on perfecting 2016. Continue to press into your purpose. Your previous pain was just an initiator of your future promise. 2016 is your year. SO TAKE IT!!

Prayer: God help me to not walk backward but to press forward into your promise for my life. My pain may have tried to define me, but your mercies are new every morning and its through your grace that I am able to remain. I know that you are for me and not against me. Amen.