by tumaini lutenta | 15 January 2025 08:46 am01
As we stand at the beginning of a new year, it is a sacred moment to hold firmly to the truth we have received in Christ and press forward. This is not the time to look back.
“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on…”
—Philippians 3:13–14, ESV
Don’t go back to the sins that once held you captive. Don’t long for the very things God delivered you from. The old man is crucified with Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV
You left behind drunkenness, sexual sin, and secret battles like masturbation—keep them in the past. You turned from immodesty and worldly fashion—stay separated.
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”
—1 Peter 1:14–15, ESV
“Do not love the world or the things in the world…”
—1 John 2:15, ESV
The enemy is strategic. He aims to weaken your faith and pull you back spiritually—especially at transition points like the start of a year. He often targets three areas:
Satan may try to afflict your body or the health of your loved ones—including reproductive health. But God is your Healer.
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
—Psalm 34:19, ESV
“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree… by His wounds you have been healed.”
—1 Peter 2:24, ESV
Financial pressure may arise—but God is still Jehovah Jireh. Do not return to ungodly methods or covetousness. Resist the pull toward illegal dealings or materialism.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:19, ESV
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.”
—Hebrews 13:5, ESV
You may face conflict in your home. This is often a tactic to rob you of your peace and derail your walk with God. Don’t return to old habits—keep your eyes on Christ.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
—John 10:10, ESV
It’s okay to think ahead, but don’t be overwhelmed with anxiety about tomorrow. Fear opens the door to spiritual retreat.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”
—Matthew 6:34, ESV
“Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
—1 Peter 5:7, ESV
When you’re in Christ, you are not fighting for victory, but from victory. Christ already overcame.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV
So don’t look back:
Father, don’t turn back.
Mother, don’t turn back.
Brother, sister, child—press on.
Returning to your old ways grieves God.
“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.”
—1 Samuel 15:11, ESV
Be like Job, who treasured God’s Word more than his own needs:
“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food.”
—Job 23:12, ESV
Repent. Return to God. His mercy is available right now.
“I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.”
—Hosea 14:4, ESV
“The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.”
—Isaiah 50:5, ESV
But if you persist in turning back, the Bible warns:
“For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.”
—Proverbs 1:32, ESV
If you need prayer or someone to stand with you spiritually, call: 0789 001 312
God loves you. God bless you.
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