Thousands stood screaming, “Go!” Yards contracted to feet while digital numbers counted down the urgency. The receiver glanced over his shoulder with seconds and inches left to claim victory. Seeing an opportunity, the defender dove for his ankles as the buzzer mocked his defeat. Don’t look back. Don’t ever look back. It’s the only way to outrun the enemy.

Hours of physical training gave him the speed to outrun his opponent. Coaches drilled it into his brain, “Keep going, don’t look back.” The team watched others make the same mistake in countless replays. He knew better, but the temptation was too great, he lost his focus; took his eyes off the goal line and in one fatal move shifted his gaze to the enemy.

And he was tackled.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:2 NLT

Cheering crowd

Do you hear the huge crowd cheering you on? “Go! Don’t look back.” It takes tremendous endurance not to dwell on the former things: not to glance back at the way life was supposed to be and how you thought it would turn out, especially with the enemy bearing down on your heels.

“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.” Philippians 3: 13-14 NIV

Press on to forget

Even when we are sprinting toward the goal, there’s always the temptation to look back. The past captivates our thoughts and trips us into defeat. We know better, but somehow we convince ourselves we’ve put enough distance between us and our problem to glance back again. Don’t look back. Don’t ever look back. Fix your eyes, even when your faith is flagging. No, especially when your faith is flagging.

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 2:2-3 MSG

The prize

Where are you looking? At Jesus who leads us to victory, or are you looking back at what the enemy stole? Keep your eye on the prize; He is our prize; He shows us the way and gives us the strength to keep going all the way to the finish line.

Don’t look back

Ask God to take away the desire to glance over your shoulder. Instead fill your mind with things that lead you closer to the goal. Fill your conversation with that too. Dear child of God, always wear your helmet and protect your mind. Throw in the shoulder pads too, in case you fall, because you will.

When you do, get back up, don’t look back at your failure. Wear those grass stains as reminders and avoid the temptation to look back. Don’t ever look back.

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