Leaving the Past Behind and Embracing Your Future in Christ"

Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)

"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."


Many of us today may be carrying heavy burdens from your past—times of deception, betrayal, and rejection that weigh down your heart. These experiences are painful, and it can feel like they are holding you back from moving forward into the life God has planned for you.

But in Philippians 3, we see Paul teaching us something powerful: that we can forget what lies behind and reach forward to the future God has for us. Today, we will explore how to leave behind the pain of the past and embrace the future that Christ has prepared for us.


I. The Weight of the Past

Many of us are weighed down by the memories of past hurts. Maybe you’ve been deceived by people you trusted—lied to or taken advantage of. Perhaps someone close to you has betrayed you, leaving you heartbroken. Or maybe you’ve experienced rejection, where you’ve sought love, friendship, or acceptance, only to be turned away.


These things are painful. But we must remember that these hurts from our past don’t define us. The enemy, Satan, wants us to stay stuck in these memories, reminding us of our pain so that we can’t move forward. He wants to convince us that we are too broken, too hurt, or too damaged to live the life God has called us to live.


II. The Power of Forgetting

In Philippians 3:13, Paul tells us to “forget those things which are behind.” This doesn’t mean we erase the memories or pretend they never happened. Instead, it means that we choose to no longer let the past control us.


In Christ, we are given the power to break free from the chains of our past. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, it says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The pain and scars of your past don’t have to keep you trapped because Christ has made you new. Your wounds are healed in Him, and you can move forward with the confidence that He has a future for you.


III. Reaching Forward to What’s Ahead

Paul not only talks about forgetting the past but also about reaching forward to the things that are ahead. God is calling each of us to move forward into a future full of hope and promise. He has good plans for us, plans that are filled with purpose and life.


For those of you who have faced rejection, remember that Christ Himself was rejected by many. He understands your pain, and in Him, you are fully accepted and deeply loved. To those who have been betrayed, know that Jesus was also betrayed by someone close to Him—one of His own disciples. But He overcame betrayal through forgiveness and love, and He can help you do the same.


God is calling you into a future where your past no longer defines you. The life Christ has for you is a life of redemption. Your story isn’t over yet, and the Lord who started a good work in you will see it through to completion. Your worth isn’t based on the deceptions, betrayals, or rejections you’ve faced. It’s based on Christ’s love for you and the calling He has placed on your life.


IV. Pressing Toward the Goal

Paul talks about pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This means moving forward with purpose, keeping your eyes on Christ, and pursuing the life He has for you. It won’t always be easy—there will be struggles and hardships along the way—but Christ is with you every step of the journey.


You may stumble or fall, but God’s strength is always there to pick you up. Each step you take in faith brings you closer to healing, closer to God’s promises, and closer to the future He has for you. The prize you are pressing toward is Christ Himself—His peace, His joy, His presence, and the eternal life He offers.


Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, don’t let your past hold you back any longer. Forget the things that are behind, not by ignoring them, but by giving them to Christ. Reach forward to the future He has for you—a future full of hope, peace, and purpose. The life Jesus has prepared for you is far greater than the pain of your past.


Take heart and keep pressing toward the goal. Your past does not define you—Christ does. And your future in Him is filled with His love, grace, and calling.


Stay blessed and rapturable!

/Fleury


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