I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Many people—even some Christians—go through their lives haunted by painful memories and reminders of the mistakes they have made. Hopefully, that is not you. But if it is, please read on.

Dwelling on the past can prevent us from fully experiencing God’s blessings today. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul tells us how he was able to make the shift from being a persecutor of Christians to becoming an apostle and writer of much of the New Testament. He said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Letting go of the past doesn’t have to be as hard as we sometimes make it. It takes faith and trust in God’s plan. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us of His promise: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

When we let go of our past hurts and failures, we are able to take hold of God’s power to live differently. It allows us to embrace His purpose for our lives and move forward on the road He has prepared for us.

No matter what has happened in your past, today can be the day that you choose to let go of the things that keep you looking back. By focusing on God and His promises, you can step confidently into the blessings He has prepared for you. Embrace His grace and forgiveness, forgive those who have mistreated you, and move forward in faith, knowing that His love and mercy are with you every step of the way!