Paul writes that he forgets the past, stains toward the goal, to fulfil God’s purpose in His life.
1) Forget past sins: “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) God is faithful and just to forgive those who repent and exercise faith in Lord Jesus Christ. (I John 1:9) God has blotted our transgressions like a cloud and sin like mist. (Isaiah 44:22) Hence, no need to bear unwarranted guilt conscience.
2) Forget missed opportunities: “Then Manoah prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born.” (Judges 13:8) God is gracious to provide new opportunities.
3) Forget past failures: Peter failed, he denied the Lord three times. Yet, the Lord restored him, reinstated him in ministry and he became a great leader of the church. (John 21)
4) Forget past successes: The Nation of Israel dwelt in their victory of Jericho. (Joshua 6) They failed in the city of Ai. (Joshua 7) Mountaineers do not stay at the peak, they come down and conquer new peaks.
5) Forget bitter experiences: “Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” (Genesis 41:51)
6) Forget past abundance: “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12,13)
7) Forget deceptions and betrayal by others: Ziklag was attacked by Amalekites and all were taken captives. David and his men wept. David’s men wanted to stone David making him the scapegoat. David strengthened himself in the Lord, trusted His promise and forgave his men and took them to war and recovered all. (I Samuel 30)
Do I forget to fulfil my high calling?