The Advancement Mindset

GO FORWARD

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” C.S. Lewis

At its surface, the phrase “Go Forward” can literally refer to moving forward physically. But to me it is also a deeply profound and powerful command that reaches into our very hearts, minds and souls. Go Forward encourages us to live a life of courage, to view the world through the lens of faith, not fear and to listen to the still small voice of God calling us unto new things. This call from Scripture encourages us not just to do things but to become people who not only believe in God’s promise keeping heart but also people of great faith, great courage and great confidence in God’s abilities.

Here was Israel, at a moment in history when their very existence would be determined. Staring into the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army fast approaching, they were filled with anxiety and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness to their situation. But then the command came – not a negotiation, or a suggestion, or a appeal to their reason, or to their emotions. Simply, “Go forward.” This call to “Go forward” has been echoing throughout the ages to all of us who look back on our past with regrets and fears for our future. We all stand at times like this in our lives – hemmed in between the turmoil of our past and the uncertainty of our future. But it is at these crossroads that our very destiny is shaped.

Exodus 14:13–14“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

Hidden within this story are three distinct movements that chart the path to freedom and fulfilment:

Fear not-the internal battle we must first win in our hearts, confronting the fears that grip us with faith.

Stand still-a spiritual posture of trust and expectation, waiting to see God move even when our circumstances are unchanged.

Obey by going forward- the courageous act of obedience, taking practical steps even when the outcome is not yet visible.

There can be no real progress in a purely heartless, materialistic or spiritually absent way. Progress must be of the whole man, and it can therefore be only of the whole human person when heart, spirit and activity are integrated in genuine totality.

A man travelled along a road until it came to a cliff. Ahead of him was a precipice and a seemingly insurmountable chasm that blocked further progress along the highway. The man prayed for guidance. Suddenly, a soft voice said, “Take a step of faith and trust in me.” The man took a deep breath, put one foot forward over the cliff, and as he did, a beam appeared beneath his foot. “Take another step,” the soft voice said. The man took another step, and another beam appeared beneath his foot. A bridge began to materialize before him, but only as he walked along it.

The traveller often sees only the road ahead when he dares to take the first step. God’s supply and strength are often not provided at the beginning, but as we choose to take the step into the unknown.

Why God Says “Go Forward”

A. Because your past cannot hold you

Pharaoh represents so many patterns, habits and fears that we allow to keep us captive. God wants to free us from these negative cycles. God’s call on our lives is meant to bring us out of bondage.

B. Because the obstacle is not as solid as it looks

The Red Sea, horrific, seemingly impassable, was never the barrier. It only became an obstacle after fear and unbelief forced a first step backwards. Often in our lives, it is not the reality of the obstacle itself that is the barrier, but rather our hesitation to take the first step of faith over against it.

C. Because God fights for movers, not settlers

God tells Israel to step forward before He divides the sea. His miracles so often find us already moving, and He provides an opportunity for us to partner in our own salvation.

D. Because advancement is a kingdom mandate

Stagnation is not part of God’s plan for His kids. Following Him means advancing, evolving, growing up into something more than we were yesterday. Movement is hardwired into the very fabric of faith.

Applications for Today

• Take the next step, even if you don’t see the whole path. Trust that clarity follows commitment and that the first move is often the hardest and most transformative.

• Stop waiting for perfect conditions—movement creates momentum. Life rarely lines up perfectly; it is in the doing, not just the planning, that doors open.

You can move forward. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. God is always one step ahead. His presence goes before you; He makes your paths straight and brings straightness to your crooked ways.

• Consider reviving previously abandoned dreams. You have “unploughed fields” with hidden water reservoirs. Places where previously you had little hope now may be locations where God can bring forth a fresh supply of water and opportunity.

• Leave Survival Mode Behind and Step into Success Mode Every day. It’s easy to settle for barely getting by. But what if you could serve your higher purpose and start to truly thrive in your business and life? Now is the time to step into Success Mode, which means trading stress and uncertainty for progress, innovation, and an ever-growing bank account.

Reflections for Personal Growth

What “Red Sea” is standing before you right now? What feels insurmountable, but might be your next breakthrough? What next step have you been hesitating to take, longing for conditions that may never be met?

Faith Over Fear. What area of your life have you given up to fear? What would having to trust God look like in that area? What steps can you take to take back that area and live with faith instead of fear?

What areas of my life am I being called to trust, to let go and to live more boldly for God? Where is God inviting me to trust, to release control, and to dare greatly beyond the comfortable?

Literally and realistically: What does “forward” look like for me this very week?

Every single one of these voices points to the fact that growth falls on the far side of pain, that all genuine movement is hope, and that the fullness of life happens in response to God’s call for us to keep moving.

Prayer Points

1. Lord, I ask you that I would have the courage to do such daring things as to go into places where fear has previously driven me away.

2. Father, I ask that every Red Sea I encounter on my journey will part at Your command.

3. Lord, quiet every inner voice that speaks fear, doubt or limitation and fill me with confidence in Your victory.

4. Father, how can I follow your leading when the path ahead is not plain? Enable me to be obedient to whatever you choose to reveal. Show me the next step.

5. Lead me, Lord, from behind the cross to beyond the tomb to where there is life. Guide me in a path of increasing impact and responsibility, using me for the purposes for which you have created, appointed and gifted me. And, as I move by faith, help me to see the opportunities ahead into which you invite me.

Declarations

1. I am moving forward. The shackles of my past no longer bind me.

2. I step into purpose, destiny, and the divine opportunities waiting for me ahead.

3. Every Red Sea—every impossible barrier—will be overcome by the strength of God working in my life.

4. I am growing in biblical wisdom, godly character, and influencing my world for Him.

- 5. My steps are guided. My path is unfolding before me. My future is bright.

6. I choose not to accept stagnation, preferring movement, progress and abundance in all aspects of my life.

7. Through God’s unchanging Word, I rise, and I thrive. I move on with bold expectation.