Letting Go and Moving Forward
Letting Go and Moving Forward: Trusting God's Plan for Your Life
At some point in life, we all experience moments where we feel stuck, burdened by our own thoughts, fears, or even past mistakes. Yet, there’s a powerful truth: the biggest hindrance to moving forward is often ourselves.
This message of letting go and moving forward calls us to shift our focus from the challenges we face to the promises of God, trusting that His plan is far greater than anything we could imagine.
The Problem of Self and the Promised Land
One of the best biblical examples of this struggle comes from Numbers 13. The Israelites were on the edge of the Promised Land, a place described as overflowing with blessings—just as God had promised. But instead of celebrating, the spies who were sent to scout the land returned with a report full of doubt. They said, “It’s everything God said, but we can’t do this. The challenges are too big” (Numbers 13:31). In that moment, their focus shifted from God’s promise to their own perceived limitations.
This is something we all do. We look at the “giants” in our lives—the problems, the obstacles, the fears—and say, “I can’t overcome this.” We forget that God has already promised victory. When we fix our eyes on the challenges instead of the blessings, we miss out on what God wants to do in our lives.
God’s Everlasting Blessing
From the beginning of creation, God has always desired to bless His people. Genesis 1:28 tells us that after creating Adam and Eve, “God blessed them.” This blessing wasn’t just about provision or material wealth—it was a promise of joy, peace, and purpose. God’s blessing is still available to us today, but we must be willing to walk in it.
Psalm 1:1-3 paints a vivid picture of what it means to be blessed: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked... but whose delight is in the law of the Lord.” When we align ourselves with God’s Word, we become like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season and prospering in all we do. This is the life of blessing that God intends for us.
But it’s important to remember that blessing requires action on our part. We must make the choice to let go of the things that hold us back—fear, doubt, and even sin—and trust that God’s plan is far better than anything we could create on our own.
Three Keys to Maintaining God's Blessing
Maintaining God’s blessing in our lives requires intentional decisions. There are three key things that we must focus on to stay within the realm of God’s blessing:
Don’t listen to the world, listen to the Word – The world is full of distractions, negative voices, and conflicting opinions. But as believers, we are called to tune out the noise of the world and focus on God’s Word. Psalm 1:1 warns us not to walk in the counsel of the wicked but to delight in the law of the Lord. When we let God’s Word guide us, we align ourselves with His purpose and His blessing.
Stand firm in your faith – We must decide whom we will serve. As Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). This means we can’t live with one foot in the world and one foot in faith. It’s time to make a clear decision to follow God wholeheartedly, standing firm in faith no matter the circumstances.
Avoid the seat of mockers – It’s easy to fall into the trap of negativity, criticism, or doubt, especially when life gets hard. But when we “sit in the seat of mockers,” we position ourselves in opposition to God’s truth. Instead, we should stay grounded in faith, knowing that God’s Word is always faithful and true.
The Power of Being Born Again
At the heart of receiving God’s blessing is the transformation that happens when we are born again. John 3:3 tells us, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” To be born again means to be made new in Christ—a complete transformation from the inside out.
This new birth is radical. It’s not just a moment of emotional change, but a spiritual rebirth where God turns your life right side up. The moment you surrender your life to Christ, He begins a work in you that changes everything. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This is the foundation of living a blessed life.
Choosing to Overcome Through Faith
Life’s challenges won’t disappear overnight. Problems must be dealt with, and storms will come, but victory is promised to those who walk by faith. 1 John 5:4 encourages us, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”
Faith doesn’t deny the existence of problems; it simply declares that God is bigger than the problem. Just like David who faced Goliath, we can look at the obstacles in our lives and say, “I come against you in the name of the Lord” (1 Samuel 17:45). David didn’t focus on the size of the giant—he focused on the power of God.
Faith is the currency of heaven, and it’s through faith that we access the promises of God. Whatever storm you’re facing today, know that faith will see you through. As you trust in God’s Word, He will lead you to victory.
The Importance of Positive Confession
Our words have incredible power. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” What we say over our lives matters. When we speak words of faith, we align ourselves with God’s promises.
In Mark 11:23, Jesus teaches us the power of confession: “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” This is a powerful reminder that our words carry weight. When we speak life, we invite God’s power into our situation.
David understood this when he faced Goliath. He boldly declared victory before the battle even began. In the same way, we must declare God’s promises over our lives, trusting that He will bring us through every challenge.
Letting Go of the Past
Letting go and moving forward requires faith, trust, and a willingness to embrace God’s promises. As you release the things that have held you back—whether fear, doubt, or past hurts—you open yourself to the incredible blessings that God has in store.
Remember, God’s plan for your life is greater than anything you could imagine, and by faith, you can step into the abundant life He has prepared for you.
If you feel stuck or weighed down by the past, it’s time to let go and trust that God is working for your good. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13) will open the door to a future filled with hope, joy, and victory in Christ. Keep moving forward and watch as God’s blessings unfold in your life!
