Leaving Behind the Broken Past
KAREN WINGATE
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“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.” Philippians 3:13b-14 (NIV)
I froze in horror at the sound of breaking glass. When my husband put away a dish in our China cabinet, the top shelf, which held an array of heirloom serving dishes, crashed into the shelves below. My husband was not hurt, but shards of glass lay everywhere.
We catapulted into cleanup mode, but I was devastated. The dishes were beyond repair or replacement — one had shattered into mere crumbs. Sweeping family memories into my dustpan, I wanted to weep as if in mourning.
But then I remembered I had a business video meeting that started soon. I had to hand the dustpan to my husband and walk away.
One of the most bitter moments of life is when something you treasure is gone forever. A sports injury permanently alters an active lifestyle. A cancer diagnosis prohibits childbearing. We lose a perfect job or ministry. When dreams shatter into crumbs, the loss can paralyze and numb us to new desires. But life moves forward, and we half-heartedly move along because we must.
Is it possible to put the past behind us?
The Apostle Paul told his friends in Philippi, “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” (Philippians 3:13b-14).
Paul moved past his past because he recognized that God’s eternal purposes for him in Christ were more important than his Jewish heritage or “heirloom” moments listed in Philippians 3:3-6. He embraced the new season God had waiting for him.
So how do we move forward when life feels all but over? The Bible clarifies how we can reclaim hope for the future:
- Look for replacements with eternal value. Elsewhere, Paul encourages us to “set [our] hearts on things above, where Christ is” (Colossians 3:1, NIV). Centering our focus on aspirations with enduring purpose makes it easier to release the things that don’t last.
- Fix our eyes on Jesus. Jesus endured the pain of earthly life and death on the cross because He had a greater goal in mind — our salvation (Hebrews 12:2). Ask God what His greater goal is for you.
- Be reassured God’s plans for us are good. You can trust God’s goodness and wisdom when you move forward. He wants the very best for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
Confidence that God can remake the past empowers us to walk away from our shattered dreams even if, right now, it doesn’t make sense and is oh so hard. Letting go of the past frees our hands to grasp the future God has in store.
Do you stand over the shards of shattered hope? As you step forward in faith, ask God to show you what He has waiting for you.
Lord, it’s hard to trust You when life seems shattered beyond recognition. I want to trust You for the next steps even if I can’t see where I’m headed. Help me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 61:4, “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations” (NIV).
After the Israelites had seen their homes and cities destroyed, God promised physical restoration and something even greater — the coming Messiah. How has your relationship with Jesus restored your life and given you an eternal purpose? We’d love to hear your story in the comments below.
© 2025 by Karen Wingate. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Friday, 11 April 2025.
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