Philippians 3:13 - Reaching While Apprehended

Step 1: Pray. Select.  

As I woke this morning, I was thinking about how the past days have been flooded with things from the past.

Today, I will travel to a place I have not been to in many years. Over the past few days, I have been staying with family in the city I grew up in.  

I reflected on the timing since it is a New Year, and I have been reaching towards a new future, family life, career, and seeking more of what God wants for my life.

As I prayed today, I was led to Philippians 3:13, which is where I began my practice.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

Philippians 3:13: Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

After reading the scripture three times, the following words pulled at my heart:

• Brethren

• Apprehended

• Forgetting

• Things

• Behind

• Reaching Forward

• Ahead

Step 3: Re-Write

Adding my name to the front and with a focus on the words that stood out, here is the sentence(s) I came up with for today:

• Jennifer, brethren, apprehended, forgetting things behind, reaching forward ahead.

Step 4: Visualize

As I began to meditate on the sentence the Holy Spirit placed in front of me today, I thought about the concept of reaching forward while being apprehended. In this verse, Paul is writing while imprisoned.

Funny, today I am going to a place I spent significant time in during my teenage years and into early adulthood. I have so many memories of this place. I think about how when we visit areas of the past, a lot of feelings can arise—some good, some bad, some nostalgic. The place I am going to today, I will be with new friends, and I am a new person.

It is strange to go to a place that feels familiar yet foreign to who I am today.

When I used to visit this place, it made me happy. In fact, I may have used it as an escape. But at some point, if I hadn't let go, it could have apprehended me into thinking that the life God lay ahead for me, full of promise and new experiences, would not be better than what I was experiencing at the time.

At some point, I turned away and reached forward toward my Father and the things he lay ahead for me in His Kingdom. If I didn't then and don't continue to do so now, I will fall short of the promises he still has waiting for me. In times when I can't see the future or am uncertain of what lies ahead, it is easy for the enemy to trigger me into a nostalgic state of what was or could have been.

The Holy Spirit is telling me to focus on how far God has brought me in this day, instead of contemplating an old life or letting the enemy whisper lies in my ear, saying things like, "After all this time, look at you. You are no better than when you left here."

He is clearly telling me to escape the lies of the enemy. You are not your past, you are your future, which is better and brighter than anything you have seen so far.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The main question(s) that came to mind were:

• Holy Spirit, why do feelings come on so strongly when visiting old places?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

"As Paul stated in this verse, God brought you out for a reason even while apprehended. Do not give too much thought to the feelings as they arise today. For they come and go and are fleeting. They have no roots. So don't plant them on your new fertile ground. Remember, daily bread is given by God. There is no food in the past; that portion has already been devoured. The past has only one outcome that you have already seen. But the future has infinite possibilities. As stated in my words, do not dwell in the past; see, I am doing a new thing. I am in front of you, not behind. If you reach for me, I will reach for you and pull you toward me and my promises for you. I know right now you cannot see, but put your trust in me, as I have put my trust in you through the sacrifice of Jesus. Walk boldly into my promises as Peter did when he stepped off the boat. Like when you were a child, before fear crept in, you will still see I am of my word. If I spoke it, it is done. Your future is safe with me through Christ Jesus. Peace be with you as you travel on the road ahead."

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

Father, as I encounter the physical places, people, and things of the past, let me remember only your promises and words, not the feelings of the past. Let nothing take root that is not meant to spring up in my future. You are doing a new thing in me every day, so while I visit past places, I trust I will not be apprehended. I will go into my day, reaching for all you have in store for my future. Amen!

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you workshopped any of the verses mentioned above using the 8-Step Prayer Practice, we would love to hear from you in the comments below about what the Holy Spirit showed or spoke to you today.

Don't forget to Spread hope and share HERE if you have a miracle or testimony. We want to see how God is working in your life!

Conclusion:

Friends know, without a doubt, we are free, and God has great plans for us.

Even if we feel constrained, keep reaching for him in the spirit; he will deliver on all his promises.

Don't let anything from your past that God didn't plant in accordance with his will root in your future. His daily bread is sufficient to sustain all your needs.

Be strong and courageous today! God's word will come to pass.