GO FORWARD

GO FORWARD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 14:13-16

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 1:6-7, Philippians 3:13-14, Isaiah 43:18-19, Genesis 12:1-4, Hebrews 12:1-2

INTRODUCTION:
Life is a journey of progress, and God’s will for His children is forward movement. In Exodus 14, the Israelites stood between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. While fear made them cry out in panic, God gave a surprising command: “Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” This reveals God's heart — stagnation is not His plan, progress is.

Many believers remain stuck in fear, past failures, discouragement, or spiritual complacency. But God’s voice still echoes today: Go forward. He wants us to leave behind old cycles, past pain, and familiar limitations, and press on toward His promises.

Going forward requires faith, obedience, and focus. It demands that we move in alignment with divine instruction even when the path seems unclear. When we obey God’s command to go forward, we will witness His miraculous intervention.

1. GOD’S INSTRUCTION IS ALWAYS FOR PROGRESS
God never calls us to retreat or stagnate; His voice leads us toward destiny.

a) God Told Israel to Break Camp and Advance – Deuteronomy 1:6–7
They had stayed too long in one place and needed to move into their inheritance.

b) Faith Requires Forward Movement – Hebrews 11:8
Abraham obeyed God even though he didn’t know where he was going.

c) Standing Still May Lead to Defeat – 2 Kings 7:3–4
The four lepers chose to go forward and found abundance.

d) Fear Hinders Movement – 2 Timothy 1:7
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and sound mind.

Biblical Example: When God commanded Abraham to leave his father's house, his obedience launched the covenant journey (Genesis 12:1–4).

2. GOING FORWARD REQUIRES FORGETTING THE PAST
You cannot embrace the future while holding on to yesterday’s pain or glory.

a) Forget the Former Things – Isaiah 43:18–19
God is doing a new thing, but it requires letting go of the old.

b) Paul Let Go of the Past to Press On – Philippians 3:13–14
Forgetting past failures and successes is key to spiritual progress.

c) Bitterness and Regret Create Stagnation – Hebrews 12:15
Unhealed wounds can hinder forward movement.

d) Don’t Dwell on Past Miracles Alone – Exodus 16:2–3
The Israelites longed for Egypt while God was leading them to Canaan.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood left her shame behind and pressed forward in faith (Mark 5:25–34).

3. FORWARD MOVEMENT OPENS THE DOOR TO MIRACLES
Many breakthroughs await your obedience to move at God’s word.

a) God Opened the Red Sea Only After Israel Moved Forward – Exodus 14:21
Motion activated the miracle.

b) Jordan Parted When the Priests Stepped In – Joshua 3:15–17
Progress comes when we act on divine instruction.

c) Obedience Triggers the Supernatural – John 2:7–10
Water became wine because they obeyed without delay.

d) Miracles Meet Us in Motion – 2 Kings 4:3–6
The widow kept pouring until she ran out of vessels.

Biblical Example: Peter walked on water when he obeyed the call to “come” (Matthew 14:29).

4. GOING FORWARD REQUIRES FOCUS ON JESUS
To move forward spiritually, you must fix your gaze on the right person — Jesus.

a) Look Unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Faith – Hebrews 12:1–2
Distractions derail, but focus keeps us on track.

b) Don’t Look Back Like Lot’s Wife – Genesis 19:26
Looking back at what God delivered you from can cost your future.

c) Fix Your Eyes on the Goal – Philippians 3:14
Your direction follows your focus.

d) The Path of the Just is Like a Shining Light – Proverbs 4:18
Keep walking, and it will get brighter.

Biblical Example: Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, determined to finish His mission (Luke 9:51).

CONCLUSION:
The voice of God still rings out to us today: “Go forward.” Whether you are in a dry place, a difficult place, or a place of comfort, you are not meant to remain stagnant. God has more for you — deeper fellowship, greater influence, and fulfilled purpose.

As you take steps of faith, God will part the Red Seas before you. Stop looking back. Don’t let fear, your past, or your environment stop you. As long as God is leading, you can walk boldly into your next season with confidence and victory.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me grace to go forward and obey Your instructions.
2. Father, deliver me from every fear and hesitation.
3. O Lord, disconnect me from every past experience holding me back.
4. Open new doors for me as I move forward by faith.
5. Father, part every Red Sea standing before my destiny.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You are moving forward into your promised land!
2. Every barrier standing in your way is parting now!
3. You will no longer be stuck — divine speed is coming upon you!
4. Your past will not limit your future anymore!
5. The God of miracles will meet you as you go forward!