Life is full of moments that require us to move forward.
Sometimes, it’s after a difficult season—losing a job, ending a relationship, or facing personal failure.
Other times, it’s stepping into a new opportunity, making a fresh start, or answering God’s call in our lives.
But moving forward isn’t always easy.
Doubt, fear, and regret can hold us back.
So, what does the Bible say about moving forward?
God’s Word offers wisdom, encouragement, and clear direction for those who feel stuck, uncertain, or afraid to take the next step.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about leaving the past behind and stepping forward in faith.
Letting Go of the Past
One of the biggest obstacles to moving forward is holding on to the past.
Regret, guilt, and memories of what could have been often weigh people down.
But the Bible is clear—God calls us to let go and look ahead.
Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God does not want us to be trapped by our past mistakes, pain, or disappointments.
He is always doing something new, creating new paths and opportunities.
Philippians 3:13-14 echoes this idea: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Paul, who had a past filled with mistakes, understood the power of moving forward.
He knew that dwelling on the past would only slow him down from what God had planned for him.
If we want to move forward, we must release the past and trust God’s future.
Trusting God’s Plan
Moving forward requires faith.
It means stepping out, sometimes without knowing what’s ahead.
Proverbs 3:5-6 gives this powerful encouragement: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
We may not always understand where God is leading us, but we can trust that His plan is good.
Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us of this: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Even when life feels uncertain, God is in control.
When we trust Him, we can step forward with confidence, knowing that He is guiding our steps.
Moving Forward After Failure
Failure can make us feel like we’re stuck.
We may think that because we made mistakes, we have lost our chance to move forward.
But the Bible is filled with stories of people who failed—yet God still used them.
Peter denied Jesus three times, but Jesus restored him and gave him a leadership role in the early church (John 21:15-17).
David committed serious sins, but God still called him a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22).
Proverbs 24:16 says, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”
God does not define us by our failures.
He calls us to get back up, learn from our mistakes, and keep moving forward.
Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Fear is one of the greatest barriers to moving forward.
It whispers, “What if I fail?”
“What if things don’t work out?”
“What if I’m not good enough?”
But the Bible tells us over and over again not to be afraid.
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God knows that fear can hold us back, so He reminds us that He is always with us.
Isaiah 41:10 offers another promise: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
When fear tries to stop us, we must remember that God is our strength.
We do not have to move forward alone—He walks with us every step of the way.
Stepping Into New Seasons
Sometimes, moving forward means stepping into something completely new.
A new job, a new relationship, a new city, or even a new calling from God.
Change can be uncomfortable, but God often calls His people into new seasons.
In Genesis 12:1, God told Abraham, “Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”
Abraham had to leave everything familiar behind and step into the unknown.
But he obeyed, and God blessed him.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Every season has a purpose, and when one ends, God is preparing something new.
Rather than fearing change, we should embrace it as part of God’s greater plan.
Moving Forward in Faith
Faith is not about seeing the whole picture—it is about taking the next step, even when we can’t see what’s ahead.
2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
When God calls us to move forward, He does not always give us all the details.
But He does promise to guide us.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
A lamp does not light up the whole journey—it just shows the next step.
That is how faith works.
We take one step, trusting that God will show us the next one.
Encouraging Others to Move Forward
Just as we need encouragement, others around us do too.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Sometimes, moving forward is easier when we have people cheering us on.
If you know someone struggling to take their next step, be the encouragement they need.
Remind them of God’s promises.
Pray for them.
Help them see that they are not alone.
Leaving Behind What Holds Us Back
Not everything is meant to come with us when we move forward.
Some things—old habits, toxic relationships, negative thoughts—must be left behind.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
We cannot run toward what God has for us if we are weighed down by things that do not belong in our future.
Letting go is not always easy, but it is necessary for true growth.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear—moving forward is part of God’s plan for our lives.
He does not want us stuck in the past, trapped by fear, or held back by doubt.
Instead, He calls us to step forward in faith, trusting Him with every detail.
Whether you are starting fresh, overcoming failure, or stepping into a new season, know this: God is with you.
He is guiding your steps.
He is making a way.
So don’t be afraid.
Take the next step.
Move forward with confidence, knowing that God’s plans for you are greater than anything you can imagine.