His point is this: If you are always looking to the past, you are bound to miss something exciting happening in the present! Besides, it's hard to move forward when you are looking backwards.

He tells them not to be too focused on the events of the past. He doesn't tell them to forget the God who was at the center of those events. Whenever you think of the great things God has ever done for you, you must be convinced that he was just getting started! That is, the best is yet to come!

Here at St. Augustine Parish, we have a rich history of heroism, courage, perseverance, education and service. It is tempting to look back at some period of the "good ole days" and wish we could return, but to make such an attempt would betray our low expectations of God who says, "Behold, I am doing something new!"

Low expectations of God cripple our spiritual growth and reduce our efforts in ministry to half-hearted attempts. Compare this to the four men in the Gospel who struggled through a large crowd, climbed onto the house, tore open the roof and lowered their friend at the feet of Jesus! They had great expectations and would not be disappointed. God was great in the past, but what he wants to do today ~ here and now ~ is even greater! Don't let your small expectations sabotage his great plans for you!