Stepping Back to Move Forward —

Stepping Back to Move Forward
From the heart of Pastor Calvin Cook
September 8, 2025

Isaiah 43:8-10 “Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.”

The last few days for me has been like a tornado of events, happenings, learning, devotion, preaching, thinking, processing, good moments, distractions, but most of all wow moments filled with the power and awe of a triune God. I won’t go into details of everything that happened from Friday to Sunday but all I can say is WOW!

Here is just a glimpse of a section of the weekend and how it has stirred a deep remembrance in my soul. After preaching this weekend about a Bold New Move of God – based on Isaiah 43:18-19, Romans 8:28, Acts 2:42 outlining the new thing that God is desiring to do in each of us, our families, the church, our communities and everything. Remembering very importantly the words of scripture “that which springs forth from God.” Gail and I set out for Glencoe in Somerset County, PA for a reunion of sorts and remembrance of a community that has had its history of highs and lows, yet remains a place where in the midst of everything continues to survive. This little community is our patriarchal home, where generations of Cook’s before me found their purpose, their place, and created a foundation for all of us, the generations that came afterwards.

The church in this community which stands the test of time is the first church I preached in at the age of 15 years old in early October of 1979. A lady by the name of Hazel Bitner after hearing of my acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior of my life invited me to preach at their Harvest Home Worship service. Yesterday, stepping back into that church that has stood the test of time and remained faithful was like once again being in a place that was clear and unfiltered by the outside world. Every time and it isn’t often that I have returned to that church during the last 45 years has been a moment of revival to remember that sometimes you need to step back to be able to move forward. Never ever forget that moment of first times that brought you to something good. It will be that which will move you forward.

There are times in life when the best way to move forward is to step back. In our fast-paced culture, we can get caught up in striving, planning, and pushing toward the next thing. But in our walk with Christ, moving forward isn’t always about doing more—it’s about remembering what matters most.

When we pause to look back, we remember the moments that brought us to Jesus: the prayers whispered in brokenness, the people who pointed us to Him, the grace that found us when we least deserved it. These memories aren’t meant to chain us to the past but to anchor us in the truth that God has always been faithful.
Stepping back helps us strip away distractions and realign our hearts with the simple yet profound reality: we are loved by Jesus. It reminds us why we first said “yes” to Him, why His cross matters, and why His resurrection continues to give us hope today.

Moving forward without this remembrance can lead us to burnout, pride, or misplaced priorities. But when we step back to remember, our faith is refreshed, and we gain strength to walk boldly into tomorrow.

I still have a heart full of visions, plans, and ideas that I believe God has placed in my heart. I fully plan to live out that call, realizing that my call and priorities are not others, but also realizing we each receive unique calls to what needs done for the kingdom of God because of who we are, where we are, and what God’s call is on our life and who we have been created to be.

Take time today to reflect on your own journey with Jesus. What people, places, or moments first drew you close to Him?
Write down one thing about God’s character you’ve seen proven true in your life.

Ask yourself: Am I moving forward in life and faith with Jesus at the center, or have I drifted toward other pursuits?

If you are in a place today, were you are not sure, doubting your relationship, take time to read the words of John 3:16, Isaiah 43:18-19, Romans 8:28. Church take time to read Acts 2:42, the calling of the Disciples, the Great Commission, Acts 13. But more importantly take the experience of confession, forgiveness and redemption not just in word but in the heart, mind and soul.

Peace to you in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer
Lord, thank You for the moments that led me to You. Help me to pause and remember Your goodness, grace, and faithfulness. As I step back to reflect, refresh my heart so I can move forward with renewed purpose and love for You. Keep me centered on what truly matters—my relationship with You. Amen.