Moving Forward From Yesterday's Hurts

MOVING FORWARD FROM YESTERDAY'S HURTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 43:18-19

Supporting Texts: Philippians 3:13-14, Job 42:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 147:3, Joel 2:25

INTRODUCTION:

One of the strategies the enemy uses to hinder believers is to keep them trapped in the prison of past hurts. Emotional pain, broken relationships, disappointment, abuse, and betrayal can leave scars that affect our confidence, our decisions, and our ability to trust again. But God has a plan for healing and restoration.

There is a divine mandate for every child of God to move forward. Dwelling on the past restricts us from seeing the new things God is doing. The devil wants to keep you bound in regret, shame, and sorrow, but the Lord wants to lift you up and give you a fresh start.

God is not limited by your past. He is the God who restores the years the cankerworm has eaten. His word in Isaiah 43 reminds us to forget the former things and embrace the new. Today is the day to release yesterday's pain and enter into God's healing and victory.

1. WHY MANY REMAIN STUCK IN THE PAST

a) Fear of being hurt again (2 Timothy 1:7):

Many people refuse to move on because they are afraid the pain will repeat itself.

b) Constant replay of painful memories (Lamentations 3:19-23):

Dwelling on past hurts poisons your present peace and delays healing.

c) Lack of forgiveness—for self and others (Matthew 6:14-15):

Unforgiveness keeps you chained to the offence and the offender.

d) Feelings of shame or failure (Romans 8:1):

Past mistakes often carry guilt that paralyses growth and intimacy with God.

Biblical Example: Naomi allowed bitterness from loss to shape her identity—she called herself “Mara” (Ruth 1:20).

2. GOD’S DESIRE FOR YOUR HEALING AND WHOLENESS

a) God wants you healed and whole (Psalm 147:3):

The Lord is a healer of the broken-hearted, not just the physically sick.

b) God is the restorer of lost years (Joel 2:25):

No matter what you’ve lost, God can restore better than before.

c) Jesus died to free you from all burdens (Isaiah 53:4–5):

By His stripes, we are healed—not just physically but emotionally.

d) Your past does not cancel your destiny (2 Corinthians 5:17):

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; your future is still valid.

Biblical Example: Job lost everything, but when he released his pain and prayed for others, God restored him (Job 42:10).

3. HOW TO MOVE FORWARD IN FAITH AND FREEDOM

a) Choose to forgive and let go (Ephesians 4:31–32):

Forgiveness is not a feeling, but a choice that sets you free.

b) Replace negative thoughts with God's truth (Philippians 4:8):

The Word of God reprogrammes your mind to think on what is pure and hopeful.

c) Surround yourself with faith-filled people (Proverbs 13:20):

Good company uplifts your spirit and encourages your healing.

d) Stay in prayer and worship (Isaiah 61:3):

Worship breaks emotional chains and clothes you with the garment of praise.

Biblical Example: David encouraged himself in the Lord and moved from despair to victory (1 Samuel 30:6–8).

4. THE FUTURE GOD HAS PREPARED FOR YOU

a) God’s plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11):

Your past does not disqualify you from His promises.

b) The pain will become a platform for testimony (Romans 8:28):

God uses your experiences to bring purpose and help others.

c) You will laugh again and rejoice (Psalm 126:1–2):

Tears may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

d) God is doing a new thing in your life (Isaiah 43:19):

He is making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Biblical Example: The woman with the alabaster box broke her past at Jesus' feet and found forgiveness and honour (Luke 7:37–50).

CONCLUSION:

You are not what happened to you. You are who God says you are. Every scar, every tear, and every heartache can be turned into a testimony of God’s power and love. But the journey begins with letting go.

Don’t let the pain of yesterday rob you of the joy of today or the hope of tomorrow. God is calling you to step out of the shadows of your past and walk into His marvellous light. The future is bright, and your healing is here.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, I surrender every pain and hurt in my heart to You.

2. Father, give me the grace to forgive those who have wounded me.

3. Lord Jesus, heal the broken places within me.

4. Oh Lord my God, break every tie to painful memories holding me captive.

5. Let every root of bitterness in me be destroyed by fire.

6. I receive the strength to move forward in faith.

7. Holy Spirit, fill me with joy, peace, and wholeness.

8. I renounce every lie of the enemy concerning my past.

9. I embrace the new thing God is doing in my life.

10. My story shall end in glory, not in sorrow!