Our future isn’t limited by our past. No matter what point we’re at now, the future is still as bright as God’s promises.

If you’re not where you want to be, there’s time to change that. It’s human nature to look back and have regrets about some of the things you did, or to wish you’d done things differently. God understands that and sympathizes. But don’t overlook the good that also came from those experiences—the wisdom, maturity, and lessons learned, which have helped to shape your character and prepare you for better things to come.

When you look back on the past, remember those “true, noble, just, pure, and lovely” things that also make up the story of your life.1 Thank God for the good decisions you made in the past, as well as those that He’s going to help you make in the future.

Forward, always forward!

Don’t let mistakes of the past blur your vision for the future. Focus on the good to come.—Mottos for Success (MFS)

I am willing to go anywhere, anywhere, anywhere—so long as it’s forward.—David Livingstone (1813–1873)

Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.—William Carey (1761–1834)

Faith gives us courage to face the present with confidence and the future with expectancy.—MFS

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.—Hebrews 12:1–2

Commit your life, your plans, your hopes, your dreams, and your fears to God through prayer every day. In return you will have peace in your life.—MFS

Never hesitate to trust the unknown future to a known God.—MFS

The New Year is set before us like an unwritten volume, all of its pages blank. Let us write upon each day’s page things that at the end of the year we will look upon with rejoicing rather than regret.—MFS

The world is a book and every step turns a new page.—Alphonse de Lamartine (1790–1869)

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.—Proverbs 4:18 NIV


  1. Philippians 4:8