LET GO OF THE PAST AND MOVE WITH THE SPIRIT By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." — Isaiah 43:18–19 (KJV)
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INTRODUCTION
Far too often, the children of God find themselves shackled to the past—bound by memories of mistakes, disappointments, even former achievements. Though the past may serve as a reference point, it was never intended to be our residence. The Living God is always moving, always advancing, and those who claim to walk with Him must be willing to let go of yesterday’s chapters in order to embrace today’s divine instructions. This article serves as a prophetic warning and an invitation from the Spirit of God to relinquish what lies behind and to press forward into the blessings, power, and presence of what He is doing now. We will explore how clinging to the past can cause spiritual stagnation, hinder divine progress, and ultimately open doors to deception and defeat.
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THE DANGER OF CLINGING TO THE PAST
"No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." — Luke 9:62
The past can become a snare when it is revisited without divine purpose. Many people, though claiming to walk with God, are fixated on their past failures, traumas, or even spiritual highs, and thus fail to remain in step with the Spirit. These individuals often relive bygone experiences, using them as justification for current limitations. Such behavior not only contradicts the will of God, but dishonors the redemptive power of Christ. God does not desire His people to be bound by regret or nostalgia but calls them to transformation and forward movement.
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THE COST OF STAGNATION
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." — 2 Timothy 3:5
Those who remain tied to the past risk spiritual stagnation. The Word tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). Yet many refuse to move with the fresh wind of the Spirit because they prefer control, predictability, and familiarity. They end up having a form of godliness, participating in religious rituals, but deny the very power that could lift them into new realms. Instead of rising in faith, they regress into routines, living dull, defeated lives while speaking of a God of power they no longer experience.
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GOD’S DESIRE FOR PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT
"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." — Proverbs 4:18
God is a God of movement. From Genesis to Revelation, we see a consistent pattern: God calls His people to go forward. Whether leading Israel through the wilderness or calling Peter to walk on water, the divine instruction is always progressive. The stagnation that comes from living in the past contradicts the very nature of the Spirit’s call. Those who are led by the Spirit must understand that God's purposes are always unfolding and that He requires our obedience today—not yesterday.
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THE TRAP OF SELF-PITY AND MISERY
"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet..." — Hebrews 12:12–13
A significant number of believers fall into the demonic trap of self-pity. They repeatedly share tales of hardship and heartbreak, not for healing, but to solicit attention and pity. In doing so, they glorify their suffering rather than the Savior. God does not reward victimhood that is chosen over victory. He offers healing and restoration, but those who prefer to dwell in sorrow over pursuing joy demonstrate their rebellion against His will. Misery becomes their identity, and they unknowingly partner with spirits of despair, creating prison houses of negativity.
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THE WHEEL OF GOD’S JUSTICE IS TURNING
"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous." — Psalm 37:17
Even as some continue to live in self-induced misery, God’s justice is moving. The wheel is turning, and those who trust in the Lord will see their enemies brought low. However, those who remain rooted in their bondage—refusing to let go of the past—may miss the victory that the Lord is bringing. The Spirit is moving, and only those who follow Him will partake in the triumph He is about to reveal.
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WALKING IN FULL SURRENDER TO THE SPIRIT
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." — Galatians 5:25
To truly walk with God requires total surrender and abandonment to the Spirit’s leading. This means letting go of past wounds, fears, and even past spiritual experiences in order to embrace what God is doing now. Walking in the Spirit brings divine wisdom, discernment, and revelation. It opens doors of blessing, provides supernatural strength, and equips the believer to overcome trials. The invitation is clear: follow the Spirit and be transformed daily.
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Summary
God is speaking to His people in this critical hour. The cry from the throne is urgent: Let go of the past and move with the Spirit. Whether it’s past wounds, failures, achievements, or disappointments—none of these should hold power over us. To cling to the past is to deny the power of God's redemption. We are not called to dwell in yesterday’s struggles or victories, but to advance in obedience, humility, and faith.
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Conclusion
Remaining stuck in the past can lead to spiritual death. It opens doors to demonic oppression and hinders the move of God in a believer’s life. However, those who are willing to abandon the past and move with the Spirit will encounter new dimensions of grace, authority, and purpose. The choice is ours. Will we remain tied to yesterday, or will we walk in today’s anointing?
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Call to Action
Take inventory of your life. What past events are you still clinging to? Have you settled for a form of godliness without power? Are you addicted to pity, attention, or the comfort of routine? Today is the day to break those chains. Rise up in the power of the Holy Spirit and move with God into the new thing He is doing.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, you were not created to live in bondage. You were created for freedom, for joy, and for fellowship with the Living God. Let the past stay in the past. God has new mercies, new blessings, and new victories waiting for you. Trust in Him. Follow His Spirit. And walk boldly into the destiny He has prepared for you.
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Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus,
I come before You today acknowledging that I have been bound by my past. I confess my sins and failures, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me, rose again, and have made a way for me to live in freedom. Today, I surrender my life to You. I renounce all ties to my past that hinder my progress. I ask You, Lord, to fill me with Your Holy Spirit, to guide me, and to help me walk in obedience to Your Word. Thank You for saving me, for loving me, and for giving me a new beginning.
In Your mighty name, I pray. Amen.
