1 Peter 1:13-14 – So think clearly and exercise self control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
The phrase “look forward” reached out and grabbed me tonight as I was reading. I asked myself the question: “What’s so important about looking forward?”
Looking forward for Christ followers brings a sense of being centered. When I think ahead to the things that are to come I find a counter-balance to the reality of every day life. All of a sudden the trials and challenges of my days pale in comparison to what is to come: Christ’s return. Finding my home in Heaven. Hearing the words I so long to hear – “Well done my good and faithful servant” – from my Father. These are the things that I live for each and every day. The struggle of life is simply forming in me strength, maturity, genuine faith, etc.
Looking forward helps me to understand the ups and downs, challenges and victories, good days and bad. God is forming something in me that is greater than today. I look forward to Christ’s promised return.
It’s important to look forward because the end result helps put today in perspective.