Out with the old and in with the new, or at least that’s what they say. Sometimes it is hard to leave the past behind and let the new begin. Our past has shaped us. The challenges go with us. The mistakes we have made are hard to forget. Climbing out of the valley seems next to impossible, yet God is God of the impossible.

Even Paul struggled to leave his past behind, but he learned the importance of not staying in the past and moving into the future.

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

The experiences from Paul’s past shaped him. He still struggled with sin, faced challenges, and seemingly impossible situations, yet he did not allow those things to keep him chained to the past. Paul left his sins at the cross and walked in God’s forgiveness. He left his hurts and sorrows in the hands of the One who has experienced the greatest hurts and sorrow. Paul allowed God to heal his heart, guide his life, and press forward in the purpose God planned for him.

In the same way, God has not left us alone to figure life out. He has created each of us with a special purpose and uses all our experiences to shape and prepare us for what lies ahead. God desires for us to learn and grow from our past but not dwell there. He helps us climb out of deep valleys into a place of peace. He makes impossible situations possible as we trust Him. He wants us to move forward in forgiveness, surrounded by His strength, His unconditional love, and His unending grace.

Leaving the past behind helps open our eyes to see the new God is bringing into our lives.

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV

God is doing a new thing! As you step into this new year, trust God for the new things He is working in your life. Press forward toward what is next, complete the tasks He gives you each day, and keep your eyes focused with eternity in view.