KEY VERSE
“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” — Philippians 3:13
INTRODUCTION
One of the greatest obstacles to stepping into a new season is holding on to the old one. Many people desire change, yet remain emotionally and spiritually tied to past experiences—both good and bad. God’s desire is not only to take you forward, but also to free you from whatever keeps pulling you backward.
As the year comes to an end, the Lord invites you to release what no longer belongs in your future. You cannot embrace what God is about to do while holding tightly to what He is asking you to release.
MESSAGE
The apostle Paul had many reasons to dwell on his past—both his achievements and his failures. Yet he made a deliberate choice to let go. He understood that progress in God requires forward movement, not backward attachment.
Holding on to past pain, regret, disappointment, or even past success can quietly limit your growth. Some people are stuck not because God has not moved, but because they are still holding on to yesterday.
Letting go does not mean forgetting what happened. It means refusing to allow past experiences to define your future. God does not want your past to imprison you. He wants to use it to prepare you for something greater.
There are times when God asks us to release:
- Old disappointments
- Unforgiveness and bitterness
- Past mistakes and failures
- Comfort zones that no longer produce growth
When you release what is behind, you create space for what God wants to place ahead of you.
CONCLUSION
God cannot fill hands that are already full. To receive what is ahead, you must first release what is behind. Why not let go of that regret? Why not release that guilt or fear? The future God has prepared for you is far greater than anything you are leaving behind.
This is your moment to step forward. This is the moment to lay aside every weight and walk lighter, freer, and ready for what God is about to do.
PRACTICAL REFLECTION
- What past experience am I still holding onto that God is asking me to release?
- Is there any regret, fear, or disappointment hindering my progress?
- What step of faith can I take today to move forward?
PRAYER POINTS
- Lord, help me release every burden from my past that is holding me back.
- Heal my heart from disappointments and unmet expectations.
- Give me grace to move forward into the new season You have prepared for me in Jesus’ mighty name!
FURTHER STUDY
- Isaiah 43:18–19
- Philippians 3:13–14
- Hebrews 12:1
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Psalm 34:18