I absolutely love wildlife programs; I could literally watch them all day. I am constantly amazed at the wonder of God’s creation; I marvel at the new discoveries made and how perfectly in balance nature is. It is no wonder I join with the Psalmist in saying “Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.” Psalm 148:5
I was watching a program recently about Kangaroos and I learned that they are one of only a handful of animals that cannot move backwards along with Emus and questionably Penguins and Alligators.
I loved the thought of only being able to move forward no matter what the situation or circumstance is. Even when danger is apparent there is no option but to move forward, I like that notion.
Sadly as Christian men danger is all around, whether it’s the enemy whispering his lies into our minds at vulnerable moments, friendly fire coming our way as we poke our heads above the parapets, the pressure to blend in rather than stand out in the workplace or the trials of day to day to life, danger can be all around us.
Too often as we face danger instead of moving forward we retreat, move backwards and stop journeying forward into what God has called us. At times we spend so much time looking backwards, focussing on the defeats, the attacks or worse still retreating because of the fear of potential danger that isn’t even there.
I want to encourage you to keep your head up, keep moving forward not backwards. Trouble will come, we will make mistakes but don’t let the fear of the danger cripple you from moving forward and having a go in the first place.
As we move forward into new territories it is important to look behind us and realise what we learned from our successes and more importantly our failures but don’t dwell there. Don’t think that because you failed once then you are a failure full stop, that’s simply not true, its a lie that the enemy feeds us to hold us back and keep us down.
As we move forward into whatever God has called us to lets keep these words of Paul firmly in our minds.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Image Credit: Eamonn Maguire
