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*Some call it a quiet time. We call it a Vision Quest. This is a simple Bible study to help you along your journey of discovering God’s purpose for your life.

This Bible study is about letting go of the past and letting God define your life.

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:13-14

What God desires from each of us is to keep moving forward and not allow past failures to hold us back.

  • What past failure has discouraged you from trying again?
  • Pray through what happened and how it made you feel. (Use an emotions chart if needed).

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hebrews 12:1-2

This scripture says to strip off every weight that slows us down and to focus on the race God put before us. Sometimes the “weights” that slow us down are past failures, fears, and guilt. The Bible calls us to throw these off and move forward.

We do this by focusing on Jesus, who constantly fought temptations and kept moving forward despite his opposition.

  • What things distract you or stop you from persevering?
  • How do you think Jesus kept moving forward? What did he do that helped him develop perseverance?

 

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

This scripture teaches us that God allows us to have hardships so we can relate and help others through their challenges as well.

  • How do you think God can use your past failures to help others?
  • How does this change the way you view failures?
  • Tell a friend about your failures and share with them what you learned about God’s comfort.

Practicals:

  • Prayer Challenge
    • Pray with focus. Find a cool spot, away from distractions, to pray – take a friend with you and help each other pray to let go of your fears of failing and to find purpose in what has happened in your past. Pray until you actually feel resolved and ready to move forward.

Written by

Bay Area Christian Church

This was created by a member of the Bay Area Christian Church team.