Philippians 1:3-6 (NLT): “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Have you ever stepped outside on a bright, sunny day and immediately felt the need to reach for your sunglasses? The light is so intense that you can’t move forward comfortably without some protection for your eyes. In the same way, as we walk with Christ, the future God has prepared for us is so bright that we need to be ready! Paul, in Philippians 1:6, reminded us that God has started a good work in us, and He will bring it to completion. That means our past does not define us, and our future in Christ is filled with purpose, promise, and progress. But to fully embrace what’s ahead, we must stop looking behind, start focusing on what’s ahead, and keep moving forward in faith.

Today, I want to encourage you—it’s time to put on some spiritual shades because what God is doing in your life is greater than what’s behind you. Let’s dive into the Word and see how we can step boldly into the bright future God has for us!

Stop Focusing On The Past. Most folk come to church at a crossroads in their lives. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV): “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.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 

The Past is a place to learn from not a place to live

It’s a place to remember not a place to reside

Don’t sacrifice your future (Today) on the altar of your past

Don’t land on what is Lost, land on what is left. 

Start Focusing On The Future. Hebrews 11:10 (NLT): “Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” The direction you are looking is the direction you are going. Your focus shapes your future – Lot pitched his tents toward Sodom. 

Colossians 3:2 (NLT): “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”

Proverbs 4:25 (NLT): “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.”

Luke 9:62 (NLT):  “…Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” 

Keep Moving Forward and Refuse To Go Backwards. Job 17:9 (NLT): “The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.”

Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT): “Brothers and Sisters I have not yet laid hold of it yet, but this one thing I do is forget what what’s behind and I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” 

In Closing: Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT): “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”