From the DAWGHouse…
Letting Go of the Past to Move Forward in Christ
I recently listened to a Forge podcast with Patrick Morley as guest – a great segment by the way – and was touched by his comment “It’s hard to move forward if you can’t move from the past.” So much truth, which Pastor Pete reiterated this week at Forge.
Life has a way of tethering us to the past—whether through regrets, wounds, or even past successes that we refuse to release. But Scripture makes it clear: we cannot press forward in our walk with Christ while clinging to what was. The Apostle Paul, who had a past filled with persecution of Christians, understood this struggle well. Yet, he boldly declared:
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Paul’s words aren’t about denying the past but about refusing to let it define him. The enemy loves to keep us trapped in shame, failure, or even nostalgia because a heart fixated on the past is ineffective in the present.
When Jesus called His disciples, He often required them to leave something behind. Peter and Andrew left their nets (Matthew 4:19-20). Matthew walked away from his tax booth (Luke 5:27-28). The rich young ruler, however, couldn’t move forward because he was too attached to his possessions (Mark 10:21-22). Jesus even warned, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62). Why? Because looking back distracts from where He is leading.
If we are in Christ, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). That means we are not bound by our past failures, sins, or even former glories. Jesus has wiped our slate clean. Clinging to what was—whether regret, bitterness, or pride—keeps us from experiencing what He has in store.
Like the Israelites standing before the Red Sea, sometimes God calls us to step forward in faith even when the past feels too strong to escape. Dwelling on Egypt—their former bondage—nearly kept them from their promised future. But God commanded, “Tell the people of Israel to go forward.” (Exodus 14:15).
We, too, must trust that God’s plan is ahead of us, not behind us. Holding on to past hurts, failures, or even comforts only stalls our journey with Him. So how do we move forward?
Repent and Release
If sin or regret holds you back, confess it to God and trust His forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
Forgive and Move On
Unforgiveness keeps us chained to the past. Jesus calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13).
Trust God’s Future
Believe that God’s best for you is ahead, not behind (Jeremiah 29:11).
The past can be a teacher, but it is not meant to be a prison. Jesus has set you free—don’t let yesterday keep you from following Him today.
Press on. Move forward. Be free. Christ is calling.
Joe Bouch
