Today is the perfect day for a new beginning!  You can move forward past pain, fear, hopelessness and anger.  The process begins with opening your heart to God.  Here are five points, along with scriptures, to encourage you as you embark on a beautiful journey…forward!

Before we proceed, let’s quickly review…

Part One – to live victoriously in the new life God has for you, the old you must die

Part Two – unhook yourself from the anchor of the past and connect with God’s power

Ok, now we are ready!

1.       Go to God

He is always ready with open arms to comfort and strengthen you. Go to Him and He will gently guide you towards your victorious future.  Prayer and praise are two of the best ways to communicate with Him day or night.

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely,
and shall be quiet from fear of evil. – Proverbs 1:33

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2.       Remind Yourself

Throughout this journey, you will have to continually remind yourself of who you are. You must always know that your Heavenly Father loves you immensely.  Your faith and confidence to step away from the old and into the new is strengthened by His love. Your spiritual identity will bring peace about the future and keep you connected to the promises of God.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:26

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:
because greater is He that is in you,
than he that is in the world. – 1 John 4:4

3.       Forgive

Yes, forgiveness is mandatory for your growth, your progress and your freedom.  Forgive your parents, your ex, your friends, your children, your enemies and most importantly, forgive yourself.  God has already forgiven you of any and everything. Forgiveness is a vital step in the process of moving forward. You must now completely trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, will take care of all who have hurt you. 

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto [God’s] wrath:
for it is written,Vengeance is mine;
I will repay, saith the Lord. – Romans 12:19

4.       Be New

Moving forward means…new thoughts, new talk, new trust, new opportunities and new direction!  This requires renewing your mind and speaking the Word of God into your own life.  This does not happen overnight so you must be patient and persistent.  Each day, visualize yourself the way God sees you…spotless and pure.  Find scriptures that are encouraging and speak them daily.  Guard yourself against negative people and those who want to keep you in the past.  Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see the goodness and newness inside of you!

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:
many shall see it, and fear [be amazed], and shall trust in the Lord. – Psalm 40:3

5.       Go Forward
Freedom from the past expels fear and trepidation about the future.  Take the first step forward into the victorious life God has for you.  He is always with you even when you mess up. Trust God and experience His power.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. – Isaiah 41:10

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

Go ahead! Go Forward!

If you want to learn more on how to move forward with God, go to Week 26: Look Ahead in the Power Over All book.