Embracing the Present: Choices That Shape Our Future

Summary

Time is always moving forward, and the choices we make today shape the future we step into tomorrow. Looking back at stories like “Back to the Future,” it’s easy to imagine how different things would be if we could go back and change the past with the knowledge we have now. But the truth is, we don’t get a DeLorean or a time machine. Instead, we’re given the present moment, and what we do with it matters deeply. Every decision, big or small, has a ripple effect on our lives and the lives of those around us.

Personal stories remind us of this truth—whether it’s a silly dare in college that leads to days of regret, or the commitment to a relationship that shapes the course of a lifetime. Our spending, our health, our willingness to take risks or stay in our comfort zones—all of these choices add up and create the story of our lives. Scripture echoes this reality, especially in the life of Paul. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul’s encounter with Jesus radically changed his direction. He didn’t let his past define him; instead, he pressed on, choosing to live with purpose and hope, even when he didn’t have all the answers.

Paul’s words in Philippians 3 remind us to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. Living in the past—whether it’s regret, guilt, or nostalgia—can trap us and keep us from growing. Growth doesn’t happen in rewind. Instead, we’re called to learn from our past, let it humble us, and use it as fuel to move forward. The challenge is to change our perspective, press on with courage, and hold onto a hope that is active and present, not just a wish for “someday.”

Hope isn’t passive. It’s a confident expectation that God is at work, that the best is yet to come, and that our choices today can lead to a better tomorrow. We serve the same God who transformed Paul’s life, who provided in the past, and who is faithful now. Let’s be people who live with a “good eye”—seeing the world and ourselves in light of God’s potential and goodness, believing that even though we can’t change the past, we can shape the future by the steps we take today.

Key Takeaways

- The Power of Present Choices
Every action and decision we make today has a direct impact on our future. Whether it’s a small daily habit or a major life decision, the ripple effects are real and lasting. Living with this awareness calls us to intentionality, reminding us that our present is the soil in which our future grows. [21:49]

- Learning from, Not Living in, the Past
While our past can teach and humble us, it is not meant to be our dwelling place. Regret and guilt can trap us, but growth only happens when we apply what we’ve learned and move forward. The past is fixed, but our response to it can be redemptive if we choose to press on. [36:31]

- The Courage to Press On
Paul’s story shows that even the most broken pasts can be transformed into purposeful futures. Pressing on doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means taking the next step, even when it’s hard. Our failures do not define us—God’s grace and our willingness to keep moving forward do. [47:20]

- The Transforming Power of Perspective
Changing our perspective can unlock new possibilities and break through self-imposed limitations. Serving others, stepping out of our comfort zones, and seeing life through a lens of gratitude can shift our focus from scarcity to abundance. When we see with a “good eye,” we recognize the potential for goodness and growth in every situation. [44:18]

- Hope as a Present Reality
Hope is not just a distant wish for the future; it is a confident expectation that shapes our choices today. When we live with present hope, we develop vision beyond our current circumstances and make decisions that align with God’s promises. This kind of hope is rooted in trust that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and that the best is yet to come. [49:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Introduction: Back to the Future and Time Travel
[05:10] - The Impact of Our Choices
[18:34] - If We Could Go Back: Reflections on Time
[20:07] - What Would You Do with Future Knowledge?
[21:49] - Today’s Choices Shape Tomorrow
[22:46] - Personal Story: Decisions and Consequences
[27:47] - Regret, Growth, and Learning from Mistakes
[30:58] - Paul’s Story: From Persecutor to Apostle
[34:23] - Pressing On: Philippians 3
[36:31] - The Dangers of Living in the Past
[40:10] - The Three Ps: Perspective, Press On, Present Hope
[44:18] - Changing Perspective Through Service
[47:20] - Pressing On Through Hardship
[49:15] - Hope as a Present Reality
[53:23] - Trusting God for the Future
[54:36] - Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Back to the Future: Shaping Tomorrow with Today’s Choices”

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### Bible Reading

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
> Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 13:12 (ESV)
> Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Philippians 3:13-14, what does Paul say he does with his past, and what is his focus for the future?
2. In the sermon, what are some examples given of how choices made today can have a ripple effect on our future? ([21:49])
3. What does the phrase “hope deferred makes the heart sick” mean in Proverbs 13:12, and how did the sermon connect this to our daily lives? ([51:39])
4. How did Paul’s encounter with Jesus change the direction of his life, according to the sermon? ([32:54])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”? What might happen if someone only focuses on their past? ([35:14])
2. The sermon talks about “pressing on” even when we don’t have all the answers. Why is it important to keep moving forward, especially after failure or regret? ([47:20])
3. The idea of having a “good eye” (ayin tova) was mentioned. How does seeing the world with hope and potential change the way we make decisions? ([51:39])
4. The sermon says, “Growth doesn’t happen in rewind.” What does this mean for how we handle mistakes or regrets? ([37:08])

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a recent decision you made—big or small—that is shaping your life right now. How did you see the ripple effect of that choice? Is there a decision you need to make today with more intentionality? ([21:49])
2. Is there an area of your life where you feel stuck in the past—maybe regret, guilt, or nostalgia? What would it look like to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead” in that area? ([35:14])
3. The sermon shared a story about a silly dare in college that led to regret. Can you share a time when a small choice led to unexpected consequences, good or bad? What did you learn from it? ([27:47])
4. Paul’s story shows that even a broken past can be transformed. Is there something in your past that you need to let God redeem so you can move forward? What step could you take this week? ([32:54])
5. The sermon challenged us to change our perspective, especially through serving others. Is there a way you could step out of your comfort zone to serve someone this week? How might that shift your perspective? ([44:18])
6. Hope was described as a “confident expectation” for today, not just a wish for someday. What is one area where you need to practice present hope? How can you act on that hope this week? ([49:15])
7. The idea of having a “good eye” means seeing the world in light of God’s potential and goodness. What is one practical way you can choose to see your circumstances or yourself with a “good eye” this week? ([51:39])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to make wise choices today, to let go of the past, and to live with hope and purpose, trusting that God is faithful yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Devotional

Day 1: The Decisions We Make Today Affect Our Tomorrow
Every choice we make, big or small, shapes the direction of our lives and the lives of those around us. Whether it's a moment of courage, a lapse in judgment, or a step of faith, our present actions ripple into the future, creating outcomes we may not fully see until much later. Reflecting on our own stories, we can all point to moments where a single decision changed everything—sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The truth is, we are not powerless; we have the opportunity each day to make choices that lead to growth, healing, and hope. [21:49]

Galatians 6:7-9 (ESV)
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: What is one decision you can make today—no matter how small—that you know will positively impact your future or someone else's tomorrow?


Day 2: Pressing On and Letting Go of the Past
Dwelling on past mistakes or regrets can keep us trapped, unable to move forward into the life God has for us. Like Paul, we are called to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal with hope and purpose. Our past does not define us; instead, it can empower us with wisdom and compassion if we choose to learn from it and move forward. The journey may not be easy, but with each step, we grow stronger and more equipped for what lies ahead. [35:14]

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Is there a regret or mistake from your past that you need to release today so you can press on toward the future God has for you?


Day 3: Changing Your Perspective Opens New Possibilities
Sometimes, the greatest barrier to our growth is the way we see ourselves and our circumstances. When we allow God to shift our perspective, we begin to see new opportunities and possibilities that were previously hidden by fear or self-doubt. Serving others, stepping out of our comfort zones, and choosing gratitude can radically transform our outlook, helping us realize that we are capable of more than we imagined. A changed perspective can turn limitations into launching pads for God's work in and through us. [44:18]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to ask God to help you see things differently so you can step into new possibilities?


Day 4: Present Hope—Living with Confident Expectation
Hope is not just wishful thinking for the distant future; it is a confident expectation that shapes our choices and attitudes today. When we live with present hope, we act with purpose, believing that God is at work and that better things are possible. This kind of hope gives us vision beyond our current circumstances and empowers us to make decisions that align with God's promises. Even when life is hard, present hope anchors us and propels us forward. [50:02]

Proverbs 13:12 (ESV)
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to move from “someday” hope to present, active hope—taking a step today toward the future you long for?


Day 5: Trusting the Same God—Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
God’s faithfulness is unchanging; He is the same God who provided, healed, and guided in the past, and He will do so again. Trusting in His character gives us the courage to face the unknown, to make bold choices, and to believe that the best is yet to come. When we remember His goodness and provision, we can step forward with confidence, knowing that our future is secure in His hands. [54:36]

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Reflection: How can remembering God’s faithfulness in your past give you courage to trust Him with your future today?

Quotes

Growth doesn't happen in rewind. Listen, life is about evolving. You can't just relive the mess over and over and over again. You apply what you've learned and you press on. [00:37:12] (16 seconds)  #HealByLettingGo Edit Clip

Pain can get recycled instead of healed. You see, you can't heal when you're living in the hurt. When you're living in that, you can't ever recover. You have past mistakes. You got to let them go. I know you've made mistakes. I know you have regrets. But you got to stop beating yourself up. You can't live there. You've got to learn to press on to the goal. [00:37:29] (26 seconds)  #LearnFromPastMoveAhead Edit Clip

Paul shows us that our past, our past empowers us. If we've made past mistakes and you've been able to walk through that and come out on the other side for the good, all of a sudden you have authority that you didn't know you had. You've become an expert in that. You provide the opportunity to speak into lives of people who are struggling with those same problems right now because you've been there. [00:47:20] (30 seconds)  #PressOnWithPurpose Edit Clip

``If you press on, if you keep going, especially when life gets hard, you'd be amazed at what you're capable of. You got to move forward with purpose instead of feeling uncertain because your failures do not define you. You are a new creation. You can start with a better self if you press on. [00:48:03] (24 seconds)  #HopeInActionNow Edit Clip

Hope, a present hope has a vision that goes beyond our current circumstances. You may be in it now, but that doesn't mean you got to stay there. If you can have confident expectation, vision for what's ahead, when we envision a different future, when we believe that there is a different future that's possible, all of a sudden it helps us make better choices because we see what's possible in the future. [00:49:54] (28 seconds)  #HopeForTodayNotSomeday Edit Clip

The story of God is one of hope. In spite of darkness, there is light. In spite of death, there is life. Let's be people who have present hope. [00:52:50] (16 seconds)  #HopeDrivesTomorrow Edit Clip

Trust God's goodness. The God that we serve is the same God yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It doesn't change. The world is good. It's the fundamental truth that we can lean on. Can you imagine how different our lives would look if we lived with perspective that the best is yet to come? That if we pressed on with purpose, putting our hope in the one who already knows what tomorrow will bring. [00:53:36] (40 seconds)  #BackToFutureForward Edit Clip

If you're living in the past, you've got your back to the future. See what I did there? I love that. That's a good one. If you're living in the past, you've got your back to the future. I'm telling you. [00:54:17] (20 seconds)  #PurposeFromPastMistakes Edit Clip

We serve the same God who changed the life of Paul. We serve the same God who wants you to take a hold of your life, and whatever past mistakes you've made, to do something purposeful with them, to change your perspective and press on so that you can take hold of the prize, the prize of Ayin Tova, the prize that there is good. The prize that there is good in this world, and we can do something about it starting today. [00:55:08] (29 seconds) Edit Clip