Looking Back To Move Forward, 7-6-25, Worship Pastor – Harold Velasquez, New Hope Christian Church
I. Introduction:
Moving forward while looking back!
II. The Rearview Mirror and the Windshield
Looking Back to Move Forward
In our spiritual journey: we are called to learn from our past and remember God’s faithfulness, yet we must continue to press forward in Christ Jesus.
Moving forward while looking back!
II. The Rearview Mirror and the Windshield
Looking Back to Move Forward
- The windshield is huge because you're meant to look through it often so you can move forward.
- The rearview mirror is small — just enough to glance back.
In our spiritual journey: we are called to learn from our past and remember God’s faithfulness, yet we must continue to press forward in Christ Jesus.
III. Remember: Why Looking Back Matters
All through the Old Testament (and into the New), God's people are urged to remember.
Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
We need to be reminded that He is a Miracle working God.
Psalm 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
Remembering strengthens our faith!
Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
All through the Old Testament (and into the New), God's people are urged to remember.
Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
We need to be reminded that He is a Miracle working God.
Psalm 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
Remembering strengthens our faith!
Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
IV. Press On: Letting Go Matters
Philippians 3:13–14 (NIV) “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Forgetting is, not letting the past define, trap, or distract you from God’s present and future call.
Genesis 19:26, Lot’s wife looked back—but in the wrong way.
She looked back with longing at a sinful city God was destroying, and she turned into a monument of a divided heart.
Philippians 3:13–14 (NIV) “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Forgetting is, not letting the past define, trap, or distract you from God’s present and future call.
Genesis 19:26, Lot’s wife looked back—but in the wrong way.
She looked back with longing at a sinful city God was destroying, and she turned into a monument of a divided heart.
V. Did The Apostle Paul Ever Encourage Looking Into the Rearview Mirror
1 Corinthians 10 1-6 “For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”
2 Timothy 2: 8 “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
1 Corinthians 10 1-6 “For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”
2 Timothy 2: 8 “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
VI. Reconciling These Two Concepts: Looking Back To Move Forward
A Final Encouragement: Remember what God has done — so you can press forward into what God still wants to do through you.
Redirect your life — not by forgetting everything, but by fixing your eyes on Jesus, the Hope of Glory.
2. Release what weighs you down: Let go of shame, regret, or pride that clings to your past.
3. Run with purpose: Fix your eyes on what God is calling you to now.
- The rearview mirror is Remembering: Glance back to gain perspective and wisdom — like how God brought you through the desert, or how His grace found you.
- The windshield is Pressing On: Keep your focus forward on Christ — your calling, your growth, your purpose.
A Final Encouragement: Remember what God has done — so you can press forward into what God still wants to do through you.
Redirect your life — not by forgetting everything, but by fixing your eyes on Jesus, the Hope of Glory.
Application: What Do You Do with This?
1. Reflect intentionally: Set aside time to remember God’s past faithfulness. Journal, or share testimony of what God has done in the past.
2. Release what weighs you down: Let go of shame, regret, or pride that clings to your past.
3. Run with purpose: Fix your eyes on what God is calling you to now.