Stop looking back!

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

The best is ahead of you and not behind you, so stop looking back. The Bible consistently reminds us that looking back can hinder our progress and even bring destruction. When the Israelites left Egypt, many longed for the past, forgetting the bondage they had endured (Numbers 11:5-6). Their fixation on what was behind them led to complaints and rebellion, delaying their journey to the Promised Land. Similarly, Paul encourages believers to press forward, not dwelling on past failures or victories, but striving toward God’s purpose (Philippians 3:13-14). Dwelling on the past can paralyze us with regret or pride, but God calls us to move forward in faith, trusting His promises for the future. As Isaiah 43:18-19 declares, “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” God is always doing something new—embrace it!

Jesus also warned against looking back when He said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Lot’s wife is a sobering example of what happens when we cling to the past instead of trusting God’s direction (Genesis 19:26, Luke 17:32). She turned into a pillar of salt because she longed for what God was calling her to leave behind. Likewise, when Elisha was called by Elijah, he burned his plowing equipment, signifying his total commitment to the new path God had for him (1 Kings 19:21). Stop looking back—God’s plans for you are greater than anything left behind. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2), and move forward with confidence in His divine purpose.

Prophetic word: The Lord says, "I am calling you forward, not backward. The past cannot hold you, for I have set you free. Do not allow past failures, disappointments, or even past victories to hinder what I am doing in your life. Behold, I am doing a new thing! It shall spring forth suddenly—can you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:18-19). I am leading you into a greater season, a season of restoration, favor, and open doors. Let go of what was, for what is coming is far greater. You are stepping into divine acceleration, but you must not look back like Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26). Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Every delay and every hindrance of the past is being removed. Move forward with boldness, for I, the Lord, am going ahead of you to make the crooked paths straight (Isaiah 45:2). Your latter days shall be greater than the former (Haggai 2:9), and I am giving you double for your trouble (Isaiah 61:7). Keep pressing forward, for the best is yet to come!"

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the promise of a new beginning. Your Word says that You make all things new (Revelation 21:5), and I declare today that I will not be bound by my past. I refuse to look back at failures, regrets, or even past successes that may hinder my progress. Lord, I surrender everything that holds me back and press forward toward the high calling You have set before me (Philippians 3:13-14). Father, give me the strength to walk boldly into my destiny. Let every chain of the past be broken in Jesus' name. I reject fear, doubt, and discouragement, and I embrace faith, hope, and victory. Open my eyes to see the new things You are doing in my life, and help me to move in obedience. Just as Elisha burned his plow and never turned back (1 Kings 19:21), I declare that I will follow You wholeheartedly, without hesitation. Thank You, Lord, for the greater things ahead. I step into them with joy and expectation, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!