“I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.”(Philippians 3:13 AMPC)
This is a scripture that every believer should hold close. Too often, people disqualify themselves from the incredible future God has planned for them because they remain stuck in the past. Maybe you’ve felt that way—regretting mistakes, dwelling on missed opportunities, or struggling with shame. But here’s a powerful truth to declare over your life:
“I purpose in my heart to forget my past because my future is TOO BRIGHT.”
Dwelling on the past causes many to forget that God is a Redeemer and a Restorer. If you feel like you’ve missed out, wasted years, or are still dealing with the consequences of past decisions, take that situation to God. Seek Him earnestly and specifically. He is more than able to redeem lost time and restore what was broken.
But here’s the key: once He speaks, be willing to act on what He tells you.
One of the most comforting scriptures is Psalm 34:4:
“I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 AMPC)
You can seek the Lord on the authority of His Word. Ask Him for help, according to what He has promised, and He will respond—because God is not a liar.
“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do?Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 NKJV)
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 ESV)
Your past cannot disqualify you from the promises of God—only your refusal to move forward can. The enemy would love for you to stay stuck in shame, regret, and guilt. But God is calling you higher. He’s saying, “Come up here. I have more for you.”
Let go of what’s behind you and take hold of what’s ahead. Your identity is not in your mistakes; your identity is in Christ. You are redeemed. You are restored. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your future is bright if you choose to move forward in what the Lord has in store for you.
You may not feel ready. You may not feel worthy. But God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. You’re called. Chosen. Set apart. And deeply loved by the One who makes all things new.
So today, I challenge you: start living like your past is forgiven (because it is), and like your future is secure (because it is). Lift your head and walk boldly in the direction of your calling.
You’re not behind. You’re right on time. And the best is yet to come.
And don’t forget what God says in Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you,” says the Lord, “thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC)