Moving Forward Without Regret Series

MOVING FORWARD WITHOUT REGRET

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joel 2:25-26

Key Verse:

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten… and ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” (Joel 2:25-26)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19; Philippians 3:13-14; Psalm 126:1-3; Romans 8:1; Proverbs 4:18

INTRODUCTION

Many people approach a new season with hidden regrets: regrets over wasted time, missed opportunities, wrong decisions, and painful experiences. These regrets, if not dealt with, become emotional and spiritual weights that hinder progress and steal joy. God never intends for His children to live chained to yesterday’s mistakes.

The book of Joel reveals God’s heart for restoration. God does not merely forgive; He restores. He does not only comfort; He redeems lost years and turns shame into praise. Moving forward without regret means embracing God’s power to heal the past while stepping boldly into the future.

This message reveals how God frees His people from regret, restores lost seasons, and empowers them to move forward with confidence, joy, and divine purpose.

1. GOD DOES NOT WANT YOU LIVING IN THE PAST

God’s agenda is progress, not paralysis. Dwelling on the past weakens faith and delays destiny.

a) RELEASE PAST FAILURES – God commands you to forget former things because fixation on past failures limits future possibilities (Isaiah 43:18). Freedom begins with release.

b) REFUSE SELF-CONDDEMNATION – There is no condemnation for those in Christ; guilt must not dictate your future (Romans 8:1). Grace restores confidence.

c) LET GO OF BITTER MEMORIES – Holding on to pain prolongs suffering, but forgiveness restores peace (Ephesians 4:31-32). Healing accelerates movement.

d) ACCEPT GOD’S MERCY FULLY – When God forgives, He does not revisit the offence; you must accept His mercy completely (Micah 7:18-19). Mercy empowers progress.

Biblical Example: Paul persecuted the church, yet he refused to live in regret and pressed forward into his divine calling (Philippians 3:13-14).

2. GOD IS A RESTORER OF LOST YEARS

God’s restoration goes beyond replacement; He redeems time, effort, and opportunities.

a) GOD RESTORES WHAT WAS LOST – The Lord promises to restore years swallowed by adversity and mistakes (Joel 2:25). Nothing is permanently wasted with God.

b) GOD HEALS PAST SHAME – Restoration removes reproach and replaces shame with honor (Joel 2:26). God changes narratives.

c) GOD MULTIPLIES REMAINING SEASONS – God compresses blessings so remaining years become more productive (Isaiah 61:7). Redemption accelerates progress.

d) GOD TURNS REGRET INTO TESTIMONY – What once caused sorrow becomes a platform for praise (Psalm 126:1-3). Restoration glorifies God.

Biblical Example: Job lost everything but God restored him with double, proving that the end can be greater than the beginning (Job 42:10-12).

3. MOVING FORWARD REQUIRES A RENEWED MINDSET

Progress demands a shift in thinking from loss to expectation.

a) ADOPT A FORWARD-LOOKING MINDSET – God calls you to look ahead because He is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19). Vision fuels movement.

b) BELIEVE IN A BETTER TOMORROW – Faith sees possibilities beyond present pain (Proverbs 4:18). Hope sustains endurance.

c) STOP COMPARING YOUR JOURNEY – Comparison breeds regret, but contentment strengthens confidence (2 Corinthians 10:12). Destiny is personal.

d) SPEAK LIFE OVER YOUR FUTURE – Confession aligns your heart with God’s promises (Proverbs 18:21). Words shape direction.

Biblical Example: Caleb refused to be limited by age or past delays and boldly claimed his inheritance (Joshua 14:10-12).

4. GOD CALLS YOU TO ADVANCE WITH JOY AND CONFIDENCE

Moving forward without regret means embracing joy and courage in God’s plan.

a) RECEIVE JOY AS STRENGTH – Joy energizes the soul and fuels progress (Nehemiah 8:10). Regret drains strength, but joy restores it.

b) WALK IN CONFIDENCE OF GOD’S PLAN – God’s thoughts toward you are good and purposeful (Jeremiah 29:11). Assurance breeds boldness.

c) TAKE FAITH-FILLED STEPS – Movement activates divine assistance (Hebrews 11:6). God supports motion.

d) EXPECT SATISFACTION AND PRAISE – God promises satisfaction, not sorrow, for His people (Joel 2:26). Fulfillment replaces regret.

Biblical Example: Naomi moved from bitterness to restoration when God rewrote her story through Ruth (Ruth 4:14-17).

CONCLUSION

God does not want you trapped in regret, sorrow, or self-blame. He is a Redeemer who heals the past, restores lost years, and opens the door to a joyful and fruitful future. When you release yesterday, you make room for tomorrow.

As you move forward, trust God’s restoration, embrace His mercy, and step confidently into the future He has prepared. You are not moving forward with regret; you are moving forward with grace, joy, and divine purpose.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me release every regret and burden from my past.

2. Lord, restore every year and opportunity I have lost.