Forgetting is a Process

August 06, 2018, By: Jimmy Scruggs

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3: 2-14 (NLT)
As I look at this verse I am reminded of what I have learned in Celebrate Recovery about forgetting. As Paul had to focus on forgetting so he could look forward, so must we. For many issues it’s not as easy as giving our past to Christ and being instantaneously free from it. We find that shame, guilt, unforgiveness, and resentment follow us wherever we go; we can’t out run it no matter how hard we try. God wants us to be accountable and responsible for our actions. He is asking us to take an active part; understanding that forgetting is not ignoring, it’s a process of letting go to so we can experience freedom from our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. In fact the first nine steps of recovery are all about forgetting (coming clean). We realize that this process takes time, and we pray for patience and perseverance. As we gain experience in the process we can utilize Steps 1-9 on a daily basis as we continue to take a daily inventory and when wrong, promptly admit it (Step 10). This allows us to stay in today, to keep current in our lives. I feel one of the blessings of releasing our past and staying current is that we have more focus for today, more energy for today, and are more productive in today; all of which sets us up for a better tomorrow. We learn that running the race and achieving the heavenly prize is about what we do today, one day at a time. Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for our recovery program, for a process to put our past to rest, to gain freedom from the bondage of self, and to grow in our personal relationship with you. I pray for willingness, perseverance, and strength to continue this process today, and every day. In Jesus name, Amen. Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads

Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church Calendar August 6-12, 2018

Friday, August 10: Testimony Night
  • 6pm: Our Hospitality Team is preparing a wonderful dinner for you. Please join us for food and fellowship.
  • 7pm: Join us for an hour of worship and a recovery testimony.
  • 8pm: Open Share Groups.
  • 9pmSolid Rock Café.