Leaving Yesterday To Secure Tomorrow Series

LEAVING YESTERDAY TO SECURE TOMORROW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 3:13-14

Key Verse: “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)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19; Genesis 19:26; Hebrews 12:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Proverbs 4:18

INTRODUCTION:

Many believers desire a better tomorrow but remain emotionally, spiritually, or mentally tied to yesterday. Past failures, regrets, disappointments, successes, and even familiar seasons often become invisible chains that hinder forward movement. God’s future cannot be fully embraced while one’s hands are still holding onto the past.

The apostle Paul, despite his remarkable spiritual achievements, made a conscious decision to forget what was behind and press forward. He understood that destiny demands focus, discipline, and deliberate separation from anything that competes with God’s call. Progress in God is not automatic; it is intentional.

As a new season unfolds, God is calling His people to leave yesterday behind in order to secure tomorrow. This message emphasises the necessity of spiritual focus, renewal of the mind, and unwavering pursuit of God’s purpose, so that the future He has prepared will not be missed.

1. YESTERDAY CAN BECOME A BARRIER TO DESTINY

Holding onto the past can hinder progress and delay divine fulfilment.

a) Past failures can imprison the mind (Isaiah 43:18)

When believers dwell on past mistakes, guilt and condemnation weaken faith and confidence in God’s mercy.

b) Past successes can create stagnation (Philippians 3:13)

Relying on former victories can prevent growth, because God’s call is progressive and ever-unfolding.

c) Emotional attachments can hinder obedience (Genesis 19:26)

Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt, illustrating the danger of emotional attachment to what God has already judged.

d) Unresolved pain limits spiritual vision (Hebrews 12:1)

Weights and past wounds slow believers down, making it difficult to run the race God has set before them.

Biblical Example:

The Israelites struggled to enter the Promised Land because their hearts continually returned to Egypt, the place God had delivered them from (Numbers 14:1-4).

2. LETTING GO IS A DELIBERATE SPIRITUAL DECISION

Freedom from yesterday requires intentional surrender and faith.

a) Forgetting is an act of obedience (Philippians 3:13)

Paul’s decision to forget was deliberate, showing that spiritual progress requires conscious effort.

b) Renewal of the mind breaks old cycles (Romans 12:2)

Transformation begins when the believer allows God to reshape thoughts, perspectives, and attitudes.

c) Releasing the past invites healing (Psalm 147:3)

God heals broken hearts when believers surrender pain and disappointment to Him.

d) Separation prepares the ground for new beginnings (2 Corinthians 5:17)

In Christ, old things pass away, and a new reality is birthed through spiritual renewal.

Biblical Example:

Ruth left Moab and her former identity behind, choosing a new future with God, which led to restoration and generational blessing (Ruth 1:16-17).

3. REACHING FORWARD REQUIRES FOCUS AND DISCIPLINE

Destiny demands intentional pursuit and unwavering focus.

a) Vision determines direction (Proverbs 4:25-27)

Fixing one’s eyes on God’s purpose prevents distraction and spiritual deviation.

b) Distractions compete with divine calling (Luke 9:62)

Looking back while moving forward compromises effectiveness and commitment to God’s work.

c) Persistence releases progress (Galatians 6:9)

Consistent effort and faith ensure that God’s promises manifest in due season.

d) Spiritual discipline sustains momentum (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Prayer, the Word, and obedience keep believers aligned with God’s direction.

Biblical Example:

Nehemiah refused distractions while rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall, choosing focus over familiarity, which led to successful completion (Nehemiah 6:1-3).

4. TOMORROW IS SECURED BY PRESSING TOWARD GOD’S CALLING

The future belongs to those who pursue God wholeheartedly.

a) God’s calling is higher than past experiences (Philippians 3:14)

The prize ahead always outweighs the pain or pleasure of yesterday.

b) Divine purpose unfolds progressively (Proverbs 4:18)

God’s plan reveals greater light as believers walk faithfully with Him.

c) Faith secures God’s promises (Hebrews 11:1)

Confidence in God’s Word anchors believers as they step into the unknown.

d) Obedience positions believers for reward (Isaiah 1:19)

Willingness and obedience open doors to divine provision, favour, and fulfilment.

Biblical Example:

Abraham left his past behind and pressed toward God’s promise, securing a future of generational blessing and covenant fulfilment (Genesis 12:1-4).

CONCLUSION:

Leaving yesterday is not denial of past experiences but alignment with God’s future. God does not waste seasons, but He does not allow believers to live in them forever. Progress in destiny demands that old chapters be closed so new ones can begin under divine direction.

As you step into this new season, make a firm decision to release regrets, failures, and even past achievements. By pressing toward God’s high calling, you will secure a tomorrow filled with purpose, clarity, favour, and fulfilment in Christ Jesus.