FORGETTING THE PAST AND PRESSING FORWARD (2)

Tuesday, 6^{^th} January, 2026

Bible Reading: Philippians 3: 13–14, Isaiah 43:18-19

Memory Verse: But one thing I do: forgetting the things that are behind, and stretching forth myself to those that are before. Philippians 3:13b (DRB)

Be encouraged by these examples of men and women who forgot the past and pressed into their future:

1. Overcoming Failure

a. Abraham Lincoln: Failed in business, lost elections repeatedly, yet became one of the greatest U.S. presidents.

b. Thomas Edison: Thousands of “failed” experiments before inventing the light bulb.

c. Michael Jordan: Cut from his high school basketball team but pressed on to become the best in basketball history.

2. Rising Above Pain and Tragedy

a. Bethany Hamilton: Lost her arm in a shark attack but returned to become a surfing champion.

b. Nick Vujicic: Born without arms and legs, yet became a global inspiration and motivational speaker.

c. Joyce Meyer: Overcame childhood abuse and became a worldwide Bible teacher and author.

3. Handling Rejection and Setbacks

a. Steve Jobs: He was fired from Apple, the company he co-founded, but came back to make it world-leading.

b. Colonel Harland Sanders (KFC): He faced over 1,000 rejections before his chicken recipe was accepted.

4. Breaking Free From the Past

a. Nelson Mandela: After 27 years in prison, forgave his oppressors and led South Africa to reconciliation.

b. Biblical Example e.g. Peter: Denied Jesus three times, but after forgiveness, became a bold apostle and leader of the early church.

Challenge: What am I still holding on to from yesterday that is stopping me from moving forward?

Quote: You cannot rewrite your past, but you can refuse to be imprisoned by it. Your greatest future often comes after your deepest past wounds.

Prophetic Decree: Those that laughed at your failure shall surely celebrate your success, in Jesus name.

Prayer Focus

1. Eternal God I thank You for your enduring mercies.

2. This year, I shall convert my scars to stars, in Jesus name.

3. I break off from the grip of the guilt and jilt of yesterday holding me down, in Jesus name.

4. Resurrection power, flow into my mind, in Jesus name.

5. My testimony this year shall dazzle my mockers, in Jesus name.

6. Prophesy: There is a comeback for my many setbacks, in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 10-13

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FORGETTING THE PAST AND PRESSING FORWARD (1)

One of the greatest hindrances to progress in life is an unhealthy attachment to the past. The Apostle Paul, despite his incredible ministry and divine encounters, once made a profound statement in Philippians 3:13–14 (NKJV) which says...