Moving forward in our faith is a journey that mirrors the progression of a river from a small, trickling stream into a vast, powerful force. Just as a river encounters obstacles, bends, and expansions, so too does our spiritual journey. The essence of moving on in faith is about growth, overcoming challenges, and deepening our relationship with God. It is about letting go of the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to the future with hope and trust in God’s plan for us.
Embracing Change with Faith
Change is an inevitable part of life and a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey. As Christians, we are called to embrace change, not with fear or resistance, but with faith and trust in God. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Moving on in our faith means trusting in God’s promises, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or challenging. It involves leaning on God’s understanding rather than our own (Proverbs 3:5-6) and allowing Him to guide our steps.
Learning from the Past
Moving on does not mean forgetting the past but learning from it. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals and communities who faced hardships, made mistakes, and yet found redemption and strength in God. Similarly, reflecting on our past experiences, both the triumphs and the trials, can provide valuable lessons that deepen our faith and character. The key is to bring these experiences to God, seek His forgiveness and healing where needed, and ask for the wisdom to move forward (James 1:5).
Letting Go and Letting God
One of the most challenging aspects of moving on in faith is the process of letting go. This may involve forgiving others, releasing resentment, or surrendering our plans and desires to God. It’s about acknowledging that we are not in control, but God is. Jesus taught us the importance of forgiveness and letting go of burdens that hold us back (Matthew 11:28-30). As we let go and let God take the lead, we find peace and freedom in our faith journey.
Cultivating a Forward-Looking Faith
Moving on in our faith also means cultivating a forward-looking perspective. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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.” It’s about setting our sights on the promises and hopes that lie ahead, fueled by the faith that God has a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).
Staying Connected to the Community of Faith
Our faith journey is not meant to be walked alone. The Christian community provides support, encouragement, and accountability as we move forward. Acts 2:42-47 illustrates the early church’s commitment to fellowship, teaching, and prayer. By staying connected to the body of Christ, we find strength and encouragement to continue moving forward in our faith, even when the journey gets tough.
Conclusion
Moving on in our faith is a dynamic and ongoing process. It requires trust, forgiveness, learning, and community. It’s about embracing the journey with all its twists and turns, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. As we continue to grow and move forward, we can trust that God will use our experiences to shape us into the people He has called us to be, for His glory and our good.