Set Goals – Forget the Former Things
Pastor Calvin Cook
April 3, 2025
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18 – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
In our journey of life, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s already happened—whether it’s past mistakes, missed opportunities, or even past successes. These things shape us, but they should not define us. God calls us to move forward, leaving the former things behind, and focusing on what lies ahead.
In Isaiah 43:18, God commands us, *“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” This is not a call to forget the lessons we’ve learned or ignore the growth we’ve experienced. Rather, it’s a call to stop letting past successes or failures keep us stuck. We are meant to keep moving, keep growing, and keep pressing forward, both in our spiritual lives and in our personal and professional goals.
The Investment and Hard Work Required for Growth
Whether we are setting goals in our careers, personal lives, or spiritual journeys, growth comes through investment and hard work. Every challenge, every setback, and every victory has a purpose. We don’t grow by simply reflecting on what we’ve already accomplished; growth comes when we push forward with intention and perseverance.
In our professional lives, we often feel tempted to look back on past accomplishments or mistakes. But God wants us to focus on the future—the new thing He’s doing in us and through us. In your job or career, it’s the investment of time, energy, and effort that leads to promotion, advancement, and greater fulfillment. It’s the hard work put in during difficult situations that teaches us lessons and builds the character necessary to succeed.
In our personal lives, the same principle holds true. Whether it’s setting fitness goals, strengthening relationships, or making time for rest, it’s the investment in those areas—day in and day out—that brings about the change we desire. It takes consistent effort, discipline, and a refusal to dwell on past failures.
Spiritually, the investment is in our relationship with God. Every time we choose to spend time with Him, to study His Word, to pray, and to worship, we are investing in our growth. It’s through hard work, trust, and obedience to His call that we begin to reflect His image more fully. In moments of difficulty, remember that spiritual growth often comes through trials, shaping our character and deepening our faith.
GOAL – Go Over All Limits
My personal acronym for Goal is “Go Over All Limits”. This is a reminder that you are not limited by the past, nor are you confined by your current circumstances. God calls you to break through every barrier and go beyond what you thought was possible. Whether you are working toward professional success, personal growth, or spiritual maturity, remember that the limits you perceive are not the limits God has set for you. Bear in mind that all glory belongs to God, and that our God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is much bigger than anything we can rationalize, imagine, and that God does want to do incredible things, the only thing that keeps us from receiving is us.
You are capable of more than you realize. With God’s strength, you can go over every limit—whether it’s fear, doubt, past failures, or any other obstacle. Keep pressing forward, breaking through the limits that have held you back, and trust that God will provide the resources, strength, and wisdom to accomplish everything He has set before you.
Moving Forward with Purpose
So how do we forget the former things? We choose to press forward with purpose. We look ahead to what God is doing in us right now, in this moment. We let go of past hurts, disappointments, and regrets, knowing that they do not define us. We trust that God has a new plan for us, one that is filled with hope, promise, and His divine direction.
As you set goals for your life—whether in your personal growth, your career, or your spiritual journey, remember the acronym GOAL: Go Over All Limits. Every step forward requires investment, and every situation, no matter how challenging, is an opportunity for growth. Be willing to work hard, learn from every experience, and trust that God is always working on your behalf.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for reminding us that the former things are behind us. Help us to forget past failures and successes and focus on the new thing You are doing in our lives. Give us the strength and perseverance to press forward in our goals—professionally, personally, and spiritually. May we invest our time, energy, and hearts into the work You have set before us, trusting that You are guiding us to a future filled with Your promises. Help us to Go Over All Limits, breaking through every barrier, and accomplishing Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection: What former things do you need to release? Surrender them to Jesus and embrace the new thing He’s doing.
Thoughts from the Edges 
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