What Lies Ahead

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 
I press on to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 3:13-14

Me and My Sweetie pre-run;
I'm smiling because it's PRE-run - ha!
Pre-run jitters danced in my stomach. I took a deep breath and the initial steps of my first half marathon. The course was arduous. As soon as I topped one hill, another loomed ahead. Early on I knew finishing would be a far greater challenge than I had envisioned.

Out on the road it was just me and God. I prayed. I sang in my heart. I thought about scripture. What I didn't do was look back. It does no good to look back at the ground you've covered. When you run, what matters is what lies ahead.

I did it again. I took a sharp tone with my daughter. Regret immediately followed. I prayed for God's help. I asked her forgiveness. I didn't look back but at what lies ahead.

The memory came back in a terrifying dream. I laid shaking in the bed as I inched closer to my husband. I called out to God for His peace. I didn't look back but at what lies ahead.

Too often we stay trapped in condemnation, guilt and fear because our necks are craned on ground we've already covered.

Look forward, friend. Because of Who runs with you, ahead lies peace. Ahead is joy.

Forget what is behind and press on toward what is ahead.
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22 comments:

  1. JenMarch 6, 2012 at 9:00 AM

    I find myself looking back so often. Thanks for the reminder peace and joy are AHEAD of me! Great post!!

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  2. AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 11:19 AM

    Hi Shannon - wow, great post. I know that scripture is so meant for me! I often look it up to remind myself to look forward and not behind. I've been missing your smiling face :)
    God bless
    Tracy

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    1. UnknownMarch 12, 2012 at 11:40 AM

      Tracy, I get so caught up in the right now or the yesterday, I forget God is taking me into tomorrow.

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  3. AmyAlvesMarch 6, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Hey Shannon! We are blessed with HOPE for our futures as we run after Christ! Love that, thank you girl! -Blessings towards you, Amy

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  4. Aritha V. March 6, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Thank you. I recognize myself in your blog today.

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  5. AnonymousMarch 6, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Excellent truths! Enjoying the race along side of you...

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  6. Jenifer MetzgerMarch 6, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Excellent encouragement!

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  7. UnknownMarch 6, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    Aw...that is amazing and I so understand. Having grown up in a very violent and abusive home, I have caught myself so many times after I've hurt my children by being impatient. I lay in bed and ask God to help me break the cycle of generations of abuse and help me a little bit better...each and every day

    Thanks for this
    Sharon

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    1. UnknownMarch 12, 2012 at 11:43 AM

      Isn't it amazing that God gives us a clean slate each day? His grace truly is amazing!

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  8. UnknownMarch 7, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    Such truth. When my hubby and I were going through our unemployment journey, he went through a great deal of depression. I struggled to understand how someone of strong faith like he was known to have, could allow satan's lies to control his mind. While discussing our feelings about his depression one evening, I was pushing the need for him to look and move forward. Then he mentioned that sometimes people find it helpful to look back so they can learn from the experience, letting all their emotion out so they can heal, and then move forward with a healthy mind and heart. I'm not sure what the right answer is, but I know God carried my hubby (and me) through our difficult time.

    Always love your blog and I'm so proud of you for your half marathon accomplishment! :)

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    1. UnknownMarch 12, 2012 at 11:44 AM

      There was this guy I trailed almost the whole way that was decked out in perfect running clothes with a water belt and everything. It made me think of you. That's how I envision you running - having it all together. Made running much more tolerable! :)

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  9. Sherrey MeyerMarch 7, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Definitely no need to look back! Great post, Shannon.

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    1. UnknownMarch 12, 2012 at 11:45 AM

      Thanks, Sherrey. Always thankful when you visit!

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  10. Melanie WilsonMarch 9, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    Great truth to be reminded of. Congrats on your run! I'm relieved that I've never had a body that liked distance running. :-)

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  11. Dr. AnnMarch 12, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    Shannon,
    Congrats on your marathon! Thank you also for sharing this personal story about your desire to press forward and look ahead - the perfect analogy for the race you are running. I am encouraged today!
    Blessings,
    Ann

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    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 12, 2012 at 11:46 AM

      Dr. Ann, I'm so thankful. We all need encouragement each day!

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