Stop the Tailgating

I have a wonderful plaque on my wall that says, “Nature is the art of my Creator.” Looking out my window and marveling at the snow -covered woods behind my home brings this point so clearly to mind.

There is nothing like a coat of fresh snow over everything to bring new perspective to life. It is like a heavenly “do-over.” My mistakes in lawn care all disappear under a wonderful blanket of shimmering white snow.

As a Christian, God’s grace offers us the same. Though we have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, He covers our mistakes and cleans us as white as snow. Through the forgiveness of our sins made possible by Jesus’ death, God holds nothing against us. As far as the east is from the west, that’s how far God removes our sin from us when He forgives.

However, the enemy of our soul continues to try and hold us back by reminding us of our “little red wagon” we all drag behind us— all the mistakes we wish we could undue. Our opponent mercilessly reminds us with ceaseless regularity.

There are numerous scripture verses that evidence our freedom from the past and our ability to move unhindered into the future as God is calling us forward. The next time you feel Satan “tailgating” you and trying to pull you off track, remind yourself of these two verses. (And remind him by saying them ALOUD—as God’s spoken Word has TREMENDOUS power and will drive off the enemy).

The first is Philippians 3:1-14, “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” I am focused on the prize, the end zone, the purpose He has for me. Yesterday is done, but today and tomorrow are fresh canvasses to paint, new chapters to write, and fresh trails to blaze.

The 23rd Psalm concludes with the second key verse. It reminds us of what really follows behind us. Psalm 23: 6 states that, “Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell FOREVER in the house and in the presence of the LORD.”

Though the enemy may try to tailgate you, just remember who is really pursuing you, who is being your rearguard, and who is the wind filling your sails—GOD!