Advancing

Isaiah 43:18-19 calls us to “forget the former things” and not dwell on the past, because God is doing a new thing—something that springs up even now, if only we have eyes to perceive it. Life often tempts us to drift into neutral, letting circumstances, seasons, or the opinions of others dictate our direction. But God has given us the gift and responsibility of choice. We are not at the mercy of our environment; we are called to stand on God’s promises, to choose life, and to walk in His will, not just for ourselves but for the generations that follow.

Letting go of the past is essential. Forgetting doesn’t mean erasing memories, but refusing to let them control our present or future. Our past—good or bad—can become so familiar that it feels safer than the unknown future God is calling us into. Even our best days can become a trap if we believe that’s as good as it gets. But God never consults our past to determine our future. His grace and mercy are greater than our failures and our successes. The past can teach us, but it must never mentor us; only God’s promises and presence should guide us forward.

God is not just interested in giving us second chances; He delights in new beginnings. He is forming and making something new in us, often through uncomfortable seasons that require trust and patience. Like the Israelites, we must learn to number our days—not just counting time, but assigning purpose and meaning to each day, recognizing that today is an assignment from God. Consistency and faithfulness in the present open the door to the wonders God wants to do in our future.