Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. (Psalm 105:4-5)
Today and Wednesday we close out yet another year of Grace For Your Race. Today I want to encourage you to take a “look back” over the past year and to remember and reflect on the many and multiplied wonders God has done in your life. On Wednesday we will look forward to the starting line of another year, and if God is so pleased to give it to us, to live it out with both the freedom and faithfulness available to us in Jesus.
Someone once wisely said, “It is difficult to climb to the summit of the mountain when you are always looking over your shoulder.” Yet, “looking back” is beneficial for the believer to be reminded of all God has done. To be sure it must be brief if we are to be making forward progress throughout 2026. But make no mistake, it is the best way to close out another year of blessings God has bestowed upon us.
Now, “looking back” is not the same as walking backward. We cannot go back, nor should we want to. God is moving us forward into His perfect plan and purpose for our lives, inasmuch as we live it out imperfectly. It is important to remember to always treat the past as a school – we are to learn the lessons from our past but not live in our past. Far too many live in the past which prohibits any measurable forward progress. But this is not for you!
Take time today to reflect on the past year and make sure your “looking back” includes both your successes and your storms. There is much to glean from both life experiences because God has delivered both to us in order to conform us into the image and likeness of His beloved Son Jesus Christ. Let your “looking back” bring to mind Gods . . .
- Faithfulness & Friendship
- Discipline & Devotion
- Mercy & Ministry
- Love & Leading
In “looking back” I pray you will be encouraged and strengthened to set out on another year with Jesus sitting upon the throne of your life, guiding you through every twist and turn, and growing you through all the ups and downs, every step of the way. On Wednesday we will look ahead.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 