Forget Yesterday

accelerate… Something New is Coming!

“I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me his own. I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead” (Philippians 3:12-13 TPT).

The end of the calendar year is often an opportunity for reflection on the past few months, both for achievements and failures. Some past reflection may be helpful as we set new goals and consider resolutions for the coming year. However, the past can be a detriment to our future progress. 

Past mistakes can be a hinderance to fresh attempts. We may have a negative mindset preventing us from trying something again after a previous failure. Even successes may provide a demotivation to attempt greater things, due to the fact we have already accomplished something similar. Paul’s recommendation was to forget all the past, which may imply failures and successes. He said, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13 NIV). Forget what is behind, Paul wrote, and strain toward the future. It’s goodbye yesterday, as we embrace the challenges of a new day and a new year! 

The prophet Isaiah voiced the same admonition, “Stop dwelling on the past. Don’t even remember these former things” (Isaiah 43:18 TPT). We can learn from the past, even be encouraged by former successes, but we must move on to the future. Gain wisdom from yesterday, but refuse to dwell there. Leave the past in the past and reach for a new goal, a greater opportunity, and the promises God has given. 


Theme passage:
"I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now it sprouts and grows and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams  in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19 TPT).