Beloved, the future belongs to men and women that will learn to respond to life from a position of the future instead of the past.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
You will usually want to forget the past relationship in addition to wanting to forget the memories associated with it. Some people claim that the past cannot be changed; actually it can be changed and there is only one way to change it, which is changing the future.
It is not the past event that makes us feels bad but it is rather our lack of ability to have a better future. If the future appears to be prosperous, the painful past memories will become happy memories.
That is why most of the people forget about the old relationship whenever they start a new one; it is just because the future became bright again. The past only hurts those who cannot see signs of light in the near future. If they were sure that the future will be bright, the past will not be able to affect their lives.
I believe that to forget our past would put us at risk to repeat it. We can learn lessons from our past mistakes. Anyone can start a new life at any point in their life; it is up to them to choose when and why to do so. Often times, one can become overwhelmed with memories when they are surrounded by reminders of their past.
Determine what you want to do with your life. The past has no power to change itself but you have the power to change your future by your choice. You must refuse to make choices under intense pressure concerning your future, you must decline to do so because that would have immediately distraction from all the development you have accomplished so far in your life.
Four days after Franklin Roosevelt died; the new President of the United States went before the Congress. The applause was deafening as he entered by the center door, and it increased as he mounted the rostrum.
Then Harry S. Truman, a friendly and a humble man, stood in the forum he liked best and as President made his first address to the nation and the world.
The occasion was moving. The diplomats and the cabinet members were there; the galleries were jammed. Stoutly controlling a trace of nervousness as he read from a big, black notebook, Harry Truman first paid eloquent tribute to his predecessor, and added:
“Our departed leader never looked backward. He looked forward and moved forward. That is what he would want us to do. That is what America will do.
“In the difficult days ahead, unquestionably we shall face problems of staggering proportions. However, with the faith of our fathers in our hearts, we do not fear the future.”
Looking ahead, Harry Truman said little that was new, used few phrases which have not been used before. But he said what the country and its allies wanted him to say, and he said it in a clear, firm voice.
He said that:
- He would defend the Roosevelt ideals “with all my strength and with all my heart.”
- There is no substitute for unconditional surrender.
- Those responsible for this war must be punished.
- The grand strategy of the war will not be altered, and the top U.S. generals and admirals will remain in command. The United Nations must remain united for peace.
The speech was a dedication rather than a proclamation, the dedication of a modest man to the service of his people. In closing, Harry Truman, devout Baptist, reached back to the Book of Kings for a prayer:
“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?’ “I ask only to be a good and faithful servant of my Lord and my people.”
More insight about the future please obtain Bishop George’s book entitled “Facing the Future”