Releasing Past Pain To Embrace A Greater Tomorrow Series

RELEASING PAST PAIN TO EMBRACE A GREATER TOMORROW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 3:13

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.” (Philippians 3:13, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalm 34:18; Luke 9:62; Hebrews 12:1-2

INTRODUCTION

Many believers carry the weight of past failures, regrets, and emotional pain into the present, unknowingly hindering their progress. God, however, desires that we release these burdens to fully embrace the blessings and opportunities ahead. Letting go of the past is not denial but a deliberate choice to trust God with your future.

Past pain can shape but must not define your destiny. Clinging to yesterday prevents you from experiencing spiritual growth, divine favour, and breakthroughs. Scripture instructs us to forget what is behind and press forward toward the calling of God.

Embracing a greater tomorrow begins with an intentional release of all that seeks to hold you back. Today is the day to forgive, heal, and realign with God’s purpose. Your future, unmarred by past pain, is a place of victory, joy, and divine fulfilment.

1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE PAIN AND LET IT GO

The first step to embracing a greater tomorrow is acknowledging past wounds and consciously releasing them to God.

a) Recognize the pain (Psalm 34:18)

Admitting emotional and spiritual hurts allows healing to begin.

b) Confess and surrender to God (1 Peter 5:7)

Giving your burdens to God ensures you do not carry them alone.

c) Forgive those who caused harm (Matthew 6:14-15)

Forgiveness liberates the soul and removes spiritual hindrances.

d) Refuse to dwell on the past (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Focusing on God’s new works prevents regression into old pain.

Biblical Example:

Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him into slavery, releasing past hurt and stepping into God’s divine plan for greatness (Genesis 50:19-21).

2. REPLACE REGRETS WITH FAITH AND EXPECTATION

Faith transforms past pain into hope for a better future.

a) Trust in God’s promises (Jeremiah 29:11)

Believing in God’s plan restores hope and directs your steps.

b) Focus on present opportunities (Matthew 6:34)

Living in the present prevents the past from dictating your future.

c) Speak life over your future (Proverbs 18:21)

Words of faith shape outcomes and reinforce divine expectation.

d) Meditate on God’s goodness (Psalm 27:13-14)

Gratitude strengthens faith and prepares the heart for blessings.

Biblical Example:

Paul chose to forget his past persecutions and failures, pressing forward in ministry to impact countless lives (Philippians 3:12-14).

3. STEP FORWARD IN OBEDIENCE AND PURPOSE

Healing is incomplete without moving intentionally into God’s calling.

a) Pursue God’s purpose relentlessly (Philippians 3:14)

Pressing forward aligns you with God’s vision for your life.

b) Take deliberate action daily (James 2:17)

Faith without action cannot manifest blessings.

c) Maintain spiritual discipline (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

Prayer, fasting, and study strengthen your resilience against past setbacks.

d) Surround yourself with godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14)

Wise counsel reinforces strength, clarity, and forward momentum.

Biblical Example:

Ruth left Moab and her past behind to embrace her God-ordained future, ultimately becoming part of the lineage of Christ (Ruth 1:16-17).

4. EXPECT DIVINE REWARD AND BREAKTHROUGH

Releasing past pain opens the door for supernatural restoration and progress.

a) God restores lost time and opportunities (Joel 2:25)

Every setback released becomes a platform for advancement.

b) Healing leads to increased effectiveness (Psalm 147:3)

God’s restoration strengthens the believer to operate in full potential.

c) Breakthrough follows obedience and faith (Isaiah 54:17)

Victory over the past ensures freedom from recurring setbacks.

d) Joy and peace replace sorrow (Romans 15:13)

Trusting God’s process fills your life with hope, expectation, and divine satisfaction.

Biblical Example:

David experienced the loss of his throne, betrayal, and personal grief but released bitterness and remained aligned with God, eventually ascending to the throne and blessing Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5).

CONCLUSION

Your past does not define your destiny. Releasing pain, regret, and disappointments positions you for a greater tomorrow. Embrace God’s restoration, step forward in faith, and allow your life to reflect His glory.

Every effort to move forward, grounded in obedience and trust, ensures that blessings, joy, and divine purpose manifest. Today is the day to let go and step boldly into God’s plan for your life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me release every past pain and disappointment.

2. Lord, heal every wound that hinders my progress.

3. Father, grant me the strength to forgive those who have hurt me.

4. Lord, help me focus on the future You have prepared.

5. Father, replace regret with hope, faith, and expectation.

6. Lord, guide me to walk in obedience to Your calling.

7. Father, surround me with godly counsel and support.

8. Lord, restore lost time and opportunities to my life.

9. Father, fill my heart with joy, peace, and gratitude.

10. Lord, position me to experience a greater tomorrow through Your power.