Latest Devotion
Moving Forward
By: Jenny Hinners
Saturday, August 30, 2025
…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
Did you know the one key trait that sets top golfers apart from average players is their mindset after hitting a bad shot? Having a short memory for past mistakes – after gleaning any valuable lessons – is a critical trait successful golfers share. We may not play golf, but we all make an occasional “poor shot” in life because we’re imperfect. Don't forget, we also have an enemy who makes it his mission to stumble God’s children. But those under the Lord’s tender care will not be kept down:
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand. – Psalm 37:24
Get up, get out, and move forward.
Satan would love to keep us stuck in the muddy mess of our past – which may cause us to spiral into a cycle of shame, anger, bitterness, and depression. When we stumble, our enemy tries to get us to doubt God’s goodness and plan to prosper us (Jeremiah 29:11). In Philippians, Paul’s strategy of pressing onward and upward towards Christ strikes me as being very similar to that critical strategy of the world's top golfers:
Shift your focus AWAY from the past – and reach forward towards the future.
If a golfer makes a bad shot on one hole, the next hole is a fresh, clean slate. We get a clean slate too, but our past mistakes may have been painful. Some of us may have deep wounds that require additional healing. Our mistakes might have even caused a “wrong” that still needs to be made right. We're all different, so the healing process can take varying lengths of time. If you aren't sure where to start, you can find God-led strategies, and a community to help you in a church class or small group.
As God guides you forward – get up and get out to move into the “lane” God has waiting for you. Minimize your distractions and stay on His path (Hebrews 12:1). To move forward, you may even need to physically move your body. For example, you might need to get out of your home, your routines, and your comfort zone to make progress.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
Don't be stagnant; learn, explore, and grow. Focus on your future, not your past!