DESIGNED FOR SAFETY: but can be dangerous!

Driving would be more difficult and more dangerous without our properly-adjusted rear vision mirrors. While driving, we use the broad view through the windscreen as we move ahead, but we also use the rear view mirrors for reference, making quick, periodic glances into them for information to aid us in driving decisions. Reversing or changing lanes would be hazardous without them.

However, concentrating on our rear vision mirrors while moving forward would lead to disaster. Can you imagine driving a twisting road over mountain ranges while looking mainly in the rear view mirrors? Or driving in heavy city traffic? Disaster would be assured!

Our past is like a car’s rear view mirror.

Our past worthwhile accomplishments and happy times, along with mistakes, problems and even disasters can all be used to our advantage to help us make good decisions as we move forwards. CONCENTRATING on our past, however, would have the same disastrous effect as trying to drive by those rear view mirrors.

We cannot effectively or safely move ahead by looking only (or mostly) in the rear view and ignoring the present circumstances or the view ahead. Nor can we allow the rear view to be a distraction from the present. Just as proper use of the mirror ensures a safer, smoother trip to our destination, so it does in life.

We are not to DWELL on our past,
but live by USING the lessons of the past
as a reference to aid our journey into the future.

Remembering how God undertook for us in previous trials and how He provided our needs and encouraged and strengthened us enables us to rely on Him with confidence. Knowing how He has used those past trials in our lives to mature us and to give us a special ministry in His service enables us to continue in His strength. We praise God for the amazing gift of now, with hindsight, being able to look back on previous troubles and torments and be thankful for them. And so, we are able to move ahead confidently, with our eyes firmly focused on Him and His will.

God uses the history of the children of Israel many times as a lesson to encourage them to trust Him. The 72 verses of Psalm 78 is one example. Jesus and Paul both used events of history (Old Testament records) to call the people to consider their present and future, and to give examples to consider, but their main message was the NOW and on moving ahead with a fixed focus, to their eternal destiny.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
LOOKING UNTO JESUS,
the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Philippians 3:14 NLT
I PRESS ON to reach the end of the race
and receive the heavenly prize
for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Hebrews 13:5-6 NLT
GOD has said
“I will never fail you.  I will never abandon you.”
So WE can say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?”

Psalm 91:14-15 NLT
“I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer.
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honour them.“

Philippians 1:6 NLT
being confident of this very thing,
that He who has begun a good work in you will COMPLETE it
until the day of Jesus Christ.

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