NOTES: THE ONLY WAY – FORWARD!
Introduction
– Life is a journey, and every one of us faces moments of change, challenge, disappointment, and opportunity.
– Along the way, there are things we celebrate, things we regret, and things we wish had turned out differently.
– Some people become trapped in the past, either living in past victories or being held captive by past failures.
– But God calls us to move forward.
– The Christian life is not a stagnant life; it is a journey of growth, faith, and continual progress.
– God always has more ahead for us.
– The only direction we can truly go in with God, is forward!
1. THERE IS A MOMENT TO REMEMBER
– Psalm 77:11 ‘I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.’
– It is good to remember what God has done for us.
– Looking back at God’s faithfulness can strengthen our faith for today.
– We all have moments where God came through for us, protected us, provided for us, or carried us through difficult seasons.
– Those memories become landmarks of His goodness in our lives.
– Sometimes we need to pause and remember the miracles, breakthroughs, and blessings God has already brought into our lives.
– The ‘good old days’ can remind us that the same God Who was faithful then is faithful now.
– But we must never live only in yesterday’s victories.
2. THERE IS A TIME TO PUT THE PAST BEHIND US
– Philippians 3:13 ‘But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind…’ (NIV)
– Philippians 3:13 ‘I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past…’ (NLT)
– There comes a time when we must stop living in the past.
– Some people are trapped by regret, guilt, disappointment, or pain.
– Others are trapped by success and constantly compare the present to ‘better days.’
– God does not want us stuck in what was.
– We cannot drive forward while constantly looking in the rearview mirror.
– The past may have shaped us, but it should not control us.
– God’s grace allows us to release the past and embrace the future He has prepared for us.
3. OUR FOCUS SHOULD BE ON WHAT LIES AHEAD
– Philippians 3:13 ‘But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.‘ (NIV)
– Philippians 3:13 ‘I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.‘ (NLT)
– God always has something ahead for us.
– There are new opportunities, new seasons, new lessons, and new victories waiting for us.
– The enemy wants to distract us with what is behind us, but God calls us to look ahead with hope and expectation.
– Faith is forward-looking.
– When Peter walked on the water, he succeeded while his focus remained on Jesus.
– What we focus on shapes the direction of our lives.
– If we focus on fear, failure, or disappointment, we will become discouraged.
– But if we focus on God and His promises, hope begins to rise within us.
4. KEEP ON PRESSING ON
– Philippians 3:14 ‘I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.’
– Life is not always easy, and moving forward can sometimes feel exhausting.
– There are moments when we feel like giving up.
– But God calls us to keep pressing on.
– Progress may sometimes be slow, but slow progress is still progress.
– Every step of obedience, every prayer, every act of faith matters.
– Don’t allow setbacks to stop you.
– Keep moving forward, even if it is one small step at a time.
– God honours perseverance and faithfulness.
5. FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
– 1 Timothy 6:12 ‘Fight the good fight of the faith.’
– 2 Timothy 4:7 ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’
– The Christian life involves spiritual battles.
– We battle discouragement, temptation, fear, doubt, and opposition.
– But we are not fighting for victory, we are fighting from a place of victory because Christ has already overcome.
– A good fight is a fight worth fighting and a good fight is a fight we win.
– Hold onto your faith, even when circumstances seem difficult.
– Don’t surrender your hope or your confidence in God.
– Stay faithful through every season.
6. RUN THE RACE TO WIN
– 1 Corinthians 9:24 ‘Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.’
– The Christian life is compared to a race.
– Athletes train with discipline, focus, and determination because they want to finish well.
– In the same way, we should live intentionally and wholeheartedly for God.
– Don’t live carelessly or half-heartedly.
– Run your race with passion, commitment, and endurance.
– God has placed a unique race before each one of us.
– Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s journey, simply remain faithful to the path God has given you.
7. WHAT WE FOCUS ON DETERMINES OUR DIRECTION
– Colossians 3:2 ‘Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’
– Whatever captures our attention will eventually influence our direction.
– If our minds are constantly filled with negativity, fear, distractions, or worldly influences, it will affect our spiritual lives.
– We need to intentionally focus on the things of God.
– Fill your mind with His Word, His promises, worship, prayer, and godly influences.
– A heavenly focus produces earthly stability.
– Where your focus goes, your life will follow.
8. THE LORD WILL BE FAITHFUL AND HE WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY
– Psalm 143:8 ‘Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.’
– One of the greatest comforts we have is knowing that God will lead us.
– We do not have to figure everything out on our own.
– When we place our trust in Him, He promises to direct our steps.
– Sometimes the road ahead may seem uncertain, but God already knows the way.
– He sees the end from the beginning.
– As we trust Him daily, He will guide us step by step.
– His love is unfailing, His faithfulness is constant, and His direction is sure.
Conclusion
– Life may bring many challenges, disappointments, and unexpected turns, but God calls us to keep moving forward.
– Remember His faithfulness, release the past, focus on what lies ahead, and continue pressing on.
– Fight the good fight, run your race with endurance, and keep your eyes fixed on Him.
– The Lord is faithful, and He will guide you every step of the way.
– Your best days with God are not behind you, they are still ahead of you.
– The only way with God is forward!
By Pastor Andrew W. Roebert
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