Look Ahead

Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva

At the entrance of the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, Canada stands the bronze statue of runners Roger Bannister and John Landy, the first two men to have run a mile in less than four minutes.

But that feat is not what the bronze statue depicts. Instead, it captures that moment in their ‘faceoff’ during the August 1954 ‘Dream Race’ when Landy, ahead in the race, looked back to see how Bannister was doing and as a result, lost his stride AND the prize.

This story reminds me very well of Isaiah 43:18-19, which says: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

With this new year carrying with it new beginnings plus overflowing blessings, greater miracles and the glorious manifestation of God, we should not allow ourselves to be shackled by our past failures—or even our past victories. Let’s learn from Landy’s mistake. In the race of life, let’s always look ahead… always hope that regardless of how miserable or enjoyable the past year was, the next year IS better.

I learned this early in my Christian walk. I was living the dream, so to speak—I had a brand new car, a brand new truck and a flourishing business: the Agape Trading Company which, at that time, was a legitimate supplier of Robina and Vitarich.

But in spite of all these successes, I never experienced any joy or peace because deep in my heart, God was telling me to go into fulltime ministry. He wanted me to leave my comfort zone—my personal dreams and ambitions—and embrace a new life.

It was not an easy decision, but I am thankful that I followed God’s conviction. For the things He had in store for me were far greater than a brand new car, a brand new truck, and a flourishing business! Today, the Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide is being mightily blessed by God as propagator of His gospel in the Philippines and to the over fifty nations of the world, including Canada.

So if you think you had it all last 2014, think again, because you can never exhaust God’s resources or exceed His plans. Think of what would have happened if I remained as a businessman!

On the contrary, if you think you have lost it all last 2014, know that this present year, He is “doing something new.” He is the Great Creator who, from nothing, spoke the world into existence. Making “a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” would be far too easy for Him!

Therefore, however well or bad the past year had been, treat this new year as the starting line of a new race. Run every lap, jump over every hurdle, and most importantly, look ahead. Because the prize is on the horizon, not at the back.

Have a great run!