Finding Our Next Step in the New Year
Introduction
As we step into 2026, many of us are thinking about resolutions and new beginnings. In our recent service, we looked at Philippians 3 to understand that every Christian has a "next step" to take, regardless of how long they have been on the journey. This message helps us see that following Jesus isn't about achieving perfection, but about the direction we are heading as we rely on His grace
Scripture
Philippians 3:12–14 (NKJV)
"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, 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."
What This Teaches Us
This passage reveals that God has already "laid hold" of us through the sacrifice of His Son. It shows us that even the apostle Paul, despite his deep faith and history, recognized that he had not yet arrived at spiritual perfection. We learn that our past—whether filled with great achievements or painful lows—does not define our future with God. Instead, we are invited to find our righteousness through faith in Christ rather than our own efforts.
This matters because it frees us from the burden of feeling like we have to be "done" or "perfect" to be useful to God. Whether you feel like you are running with full steam or limping into this new year, God is not finished with you. He often uses our weakest moments to show His greatest power, reminding us that His grace is sufficient for whatever step lies immediately ahead.
Key Takeaways
God meets you exactly where you are today. Whether you are struggling with a specific sin, feeling spiritually tired, or drifting away, God has a next step of renewal or freedom waiting for you. He doesn't demand that you have it all figured out before you move; He simply asks you to be open to His leading. His strength is actually made perfect in the very areas where you feel the most inadequate.
Growth requires letting go of what is behind. To reach forward to what God has for us, we must be willing to "forget" the things that are in the past. This means not letting past trophies make us complacent and not letting past failures keep us paralyzed. In Christ, we are invited to begin again with a renewed mind and a focused heart.
True progress comes from focusing on "one thing." Life can feel overwhelming when we try to change ten things at once, but Paul encourages us to focus our gaze on the singular goal of following Christ. When we seek first the Kingdom of God, it provides an antidote to the anxieties of our age and clarifies the path forward. This focus helps us identify the one relationship to repair, the one habit to start, or the one person to serve.
Application: Living It Out Today
This week, try to notice where God is already at work in your daily routine rather than waiting for a "big" sign. Take one small, grounded step by starting a simple prayer habit; if you don't know what to say, just start by asking God for help. Relationally, consider if there is someone you need to forgive or someone you can serve in a quiet, unseen way to reflect Christ’s love.
Reflection Question
What is the "one thing" in your life right now that is creating a block between you and the next step Christ is leading you toward?
Invitation
If you would like to hear the full message, you can watch the sermon on YouTube. We also invite you to join us in person next Sunday at Highland Hills as we walk this path together.
