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Today we are going to talk about looking back. We all do this from time to time. Whether it’s glancing back at the last year, remembering a season of life, or even just yesterday, looking back can be powerful. It’s a chance to remember where we’ve come from and see how God has been with us every step of the way.
Let’s start with Deuteronomy 4:9 which says, “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live!” The Bible encourages us to remember how God has worked in our lives. Looking back with purpose can remind us of His faithfulness and help us grow. So today, we’re looking back together remembering the good, the lessons, and the ways God has shown up. Let’s see how reflecting on the past can strengthen our faith for the future.
When we take time to look back at what God has done, we can see His faithfulness more clearly. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how He answered our prayers or guided us through challenges. Reflecting on those moments strengthens our trust in Him for the future.
I was on my daily walk the other day and I was listening to worship music and God brought a memory to my mind of how He provided for us. It made me smile and just thank Him and I walked. It was an overwhelming feeling of joy to remember the hard we walked through but how God helped us through that.
Psalm 77:11-12 says, “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” This passage shows us the power of remembering God’s works in our lives.
If you feel like today is just a challenging day, take a moment to look back at other times God came through for you. I’m sure it will bring a smile to your face, and it will also remind you that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Remembering His faithfulness can fill us with confidence and peace for whatever lies ahead.
Looking back can also be a time of learning. Maybe there were mistakes or hard seasons we went through, but God can use those moments to build our character and strengthen us. When we reflect with grace, we can see how we’ve grown and how God has refined us.
There are two or three defining moments that were extremely difficult times in my life because God was showing me things about my character that needed to be changed. Those lessons where hard but once it was pointed out and I knew that He would help me adjust what was needed it seemed easy. I’m so thankful for the grace God provides and the lessons He teaches to draw us closer to Him.
Romans 5:3-4 says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” This verse reminds us that challenges we face have a purpose and can help us grow.
If there’s a season in your life that was tough or painful, remember that God has been working in you through it all. Those experiences don’t define us, but they shape us and help us become who God wants us to be.
Sometimes we can get stuck in the past, but God wants us to look back with purpose, not to dwell there. We remember the past so we can move forward with greater faith and joy for what He has ahead of us.
So many times I felt stuck in this one lesson because I thought a few times that because I had walked through it that it was done and I could move forward but that was not the case. God was just walking me through it piece by piece. So those times of looking back were hard not to dwell in but it was in the realization that more healing needed to be done that I was really able to move forward and not dwell.
Thankfully God’s word gives us confidence that we will make it through. Like this scripture here in Isaiah 43:18-19 which says, “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” This passage teaches us that while looking back can remind us of God’s faithfulness, we also look forward with hope, knowing He has even more in store.
God isn’t done with you yet! As we look back on what He’s done, let’s also get excited for the new things He has planned. Looking back with gratitude allows us to step into the future with renewed faith.
Remembering God’s faithfulness, learning from our experiences, and looking forward with hope. Each season we’ve been through can strengthen our faith if we choose to reflect on it through God’s perspective.
Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” God’s been with you all along, and He is with you now, completing the work He started in you.
As you look back look back with gratitude and hope. Thank God for how far He’s brought you and trust Him with where you’re going. He’s been faithful in the past, and He will be faithful in the future.