Wisdom of the Month: Forget the Former
I have been reflecting on the recently concluded Purpose-Driven Leaders Awards, and one of the most striking themes that emerged was the idea of transitions—how we carry the weight of our past achievements and titles while stepping into what lies ahead.
Prof. Kivutha, our guest speaker, captured this sentiment beautifully. He shared how, in many spaces, he is introduced by his “former” titles—former governor, former minister, and the like. While these titles reflect an illustrious career, they often lead him to wonder: Am I still relevant today, or am I defined only by my past?
This reflection resonated deeply. It reminded me that while the past shapes us, it should not define us. Instead, we must learn to leverage our past experiences for the present and avoid being tethered to what was, at the expense of what could be.
A Timeless Instruction
As I pondered this theme, I was reminded of a verse that has carried me through significant transitions in my own life:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:18-19
This verse first spoke to me when I transitioned from formal employment to start Lapid Leaders Africa. At the time, I was a Senior Manager at a local bank. Shortly after resigning, I received a call from a former employer offering an opportunity to return to my previous role in the audit space. It was a tempting offer—secure, familiar, and safe. But I knew in my heart that God was calling me to something new.
The instruction was clear: Forget the former things. Letting go of the comfort and status of my previous role was challenging, but I understood that fully embracing the new assignment required releasing the allure of what was.
God’s Pattern for New Beginnings
This instruction may seem counterintuitive. When stepping into something new, it feels natural to rely on the familiar—to use our past titles, connections, or achievements as a foundation. But God’s way is often different.
In Isaiah 43, God reminds us of the great things He has done before:
“I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.” — Isaiah 43:16-17
These were extraordinary miracles, yet He follows them with an unexpected command: Forget the former things. Behold, I am doing a new thing.
Why? Because dwelling on past victories—even those ordained by God—can prevent us from perceiving the new things He is doing in our lives. The same God who did what He did in the past, the same God who delivered those victories, wants to do even greater things with us.
Pressing Toward the Goal
Paul echoes this truth in Philippians 3:13-14:
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Paul, who had every reason to boast of his impressive religious credentials, chose instead to count them as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. He reminds us that past successes or failures, while part of our story, are not the final chapter.
Living in the past—whether reliving triumphs or nursing regrets—hinders us from fully engaging in the present and embracing the future. By letting go of what lies behind, we free ourselves to pursue God’s higher calling with renewed focus and purpose.
A Forgetful 2025
As I reflect on this instruction to forget the former, I am deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness. Looking back, it was not easy to release the comfort and security of the past, but it was worth it. His call is always upward, always forward, and always greater than what we leave behind.
As we step into 2025, my prayer for each of us is this: May we have the courage to release the former, even when it was beatiful. May we trust God to lead us into new assignments, new growth, and new purpose.
Forget the former things, and press ahead—the best is yet to come!
Warmly,
Esther Mwaniki – Purpose Catalyst