Overcoming Yesterday To Experience A Greater Tomorrow Series

OVERCOMING YESTERDAY TO EXPERIENCE A GREATER 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)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19; Lamentations 3:22-23; Hebrews 12:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Genesis 19:26

INTRODUCTION:

Every believer carries a history, but not every history should carry the believer. Yesterday can represent past failures, disappointments, losses, regrets, or even past successes that have become limitations. While memories can instruct, dwelling on them can imprison destiny. God’s intention is never for His people to be defined by what lies behind, but by what lies ahead.

The Apostle Paul, despite his achievements and encounters, deliberately chose to disengage from the past in order to pursue God’s high calling. This teaches us that spiritual progress is intentional. A greater tomorrow does not happen accidentally; it requires conscious separation from yesterday’s weight and wholehearted pursuit of God’s future.

This message is timely for anyone standing at the threshold of a new season. To fully experience what God has prepared, you must overcome yesterday mentally, emotionally, and spiritually so that you can move forward with faith, clarity, and confidence.

1. YESTERDAY CAN BECOME A BURDEN IF NOT RELEASED

The past has the potential to weigh down the present and obstruct the future when it is not properly surrendered to God.

a) Past failures can cripple confidence (Psalm 38:4)

Unresolved mistakes often produce guilt and fear that hinder forward movement.

b) Past pain can distort perception (Hebrews 12:15)

Bitterness from yesterday can poison today’s decisions and tomorrow’s opportunities.

c) Past success can create complacency (Revelation 3:1)

Relying on former victories can blind a person to new instructions from God.

d) God never intends yesterday to dominate today (Isaiah 43:18)

God explicitly commands His people not to dwell on former things.

Biblical Example:

Lot’s wife looked back with attachment to the past and lost her future by becoming a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).

2. OVERCOMING YESTERDAY BEGINS WITH A CONSCIOUS DECISION

Freedom from the past starts when a believer deliberately chooses to let go and move forward.

a) Forgetting is a spiritual discipline (Philippians 3:13)

Paul’s decision to forget was intentional, not emotional.

b) Letting go creates space for growth (Hebrews 12:1)

Casting off weights enables speed and endurance in the race ahead.

c) Healing is part of letting go (Psalm 147:3)

God heals wounded hearts so that the past loses its power.

d) Faith demands forward focus (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Faith looks ahead to what God will do, not back at what has failed.

Biblical Example:

Joseph released betrayal and injustice, allowing God to move him from prison to palace (Genesis 41:39-44).

3. GOD’S MERCY MAKES A GREATER TOMORROW POSSIBLE

The reason believers can move forward confidently is because God’s mercy renews every day.

a) Mercy disconnects you from yesterday’s guilt (Lamentations 3:22–23)

New mercies mean the past does not have the final word.

b) Mercy restores lost hope (Psalm 30:5)

God replaces sorrow with joy as a sign of new beginnings.

c) Mercy empowers transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

In Christ, old identities are replaced with new realities.

d) Mercy fuels divine confidence (Romans 8:1)

There is no condemnation for those who walk in Christ.

Biblical Example:

Peter overcame denial and shame through Christ’s mercy and was restored into apostolic leadership (John 21:15-17).

4. PRESSING FORWARD IS THE PATHWAY TO A GREATER TOMORROW

Progress requires intentional pursuit, spiritual discipline, and unwavering focus.

a) Pressing forward demands effort and persistence (Philippians 3:14)

Destiny is accessed by determination, not wishful thinking.

b) Vision sustains momentum (Proverbs 29:18)

Clear vision keeps the believer moving forward without distraction.

c) Obedience secures divine direction (Psalm 32:8)

God guides those who are willing to follow His lead.

d) Endurance guarantees reward (Galatians 6:9)

Those who refuse to give up will reap in due season.

Biblical Example:

Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his past and entered a covenant that secured a greater tomorrow for generations (Genesis 12:1-4).

CONCLUSION:

A greater tomorrow is not achieved by accident, but by intentionally overcoming yesterday. Whether yesterday represents pain, failure, regret, or even past glory, it must not be allowed to dictate the future. God’s plan is always forward-focused, filled with hope, restoration, and increase.

As you release the past and press toward God’s calling, you will discover renewed strength, clarity, and purpose. The grace to overcome yesterday is available, and the future God has prepared is far greater than anything you leave behind.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, grant me grace to release every burden from my past.

2. Lord, heal my heart from every pain carried from yesterday.