When we think about the future, we often imagine something entirely new—uncharted territory with unknown outcomes. But the truth is, the best way forward is often shaped by what has already happened. The future doesn’t emerge from nothing; it grows from lessons learned, faith strengthened, and experiences lived.
That’s the heart behind Back to the Future: learning from where we’ve been so we can move wisely and intentionally toward where God is leading us.
Good Success vs. Empty Success
Joshua 1:8 gives a powerful definition of success—one that looks very different from the world’s version:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night… For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Not all success is good success. It’s possible to achieve much and still miss what truly matters. Accomplishments, influence, or recognition that are disconnected from God’s purpose can quietly become harmful rather than helpful. But Scripture reminds us that good success—the kind that blesses rather than burdens—comes from grounding our lives in God’s Word and living it out daily.
God doesn’t want a future marked by repeated mistakes or shallow victories. He desires growth, maturity, and fruit that lasts.
Remembering the Blessings of the Past
Before looking ahead, it’s important to pause and recognize what God has already done. Reflection fuels faith.
The past year was filled with moments of impact and transformation—lives changed, people stepping forward in faith, and communities touched in meaningful ways. From large outreach events to intimate discipleship settings, from students growing in leadership to families finding connection, each moment served as a reminder that God is always at work through faithful obedience.
Remembering these moments isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about confidence. If God has made a way before, He will do it again—often in even greater ways.
A Hope-Filled Future
Jeremiah 29:11–13 reminds us of God’s posture toward our future:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you… thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
God’s plans are intentional. He invites us to call on Him, seek Him, and trust that when we do, He will respond. The future is not uncertain to God—even when it feels uncertain to us.
But stepping into that future requires two essential commitments: vision and surrender.
Vision: Seeing God Clearly and Purposefully
Vision begins with seeing God for who He truly is.
In Isaiah 6, the prophet describes a season of transition and uncertainty following the death of a king. In that moment, Isaiah didn’t look to politics or people—he looked upward:
“I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.”
When life changes, when leadership shifts, when seasons turn, clarity comes from focusing first on God’s sovereignty, holiness, and authority. A clear vision of God anchors everything else.
But vision doesn’t stop there. Alongside seeing God clearly, we must also ask an honest question: What does God want to do through me?
Vision gives direction. It transforms vague hopes into intentional steps. Writing goals down, measuring progress, and holding ourselves accountable turn good intentions into lived faith.
Goals aren’t just numbers—they represent people, influence, and opportunity. They reflect a desire to make a meaningful difference rather than simply maintain the status quo.
Surrender: The Pathway to True Freedom
Vision shows us where to go. Surrender determines whether we’ll actually get there.
Second Corinthians 3:17 says:
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
When a person begins a relationship wit