BIG idea: You can’t fly forward if you’re tied to the past.

Isaiah 43:18,19 (NIV) 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? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

God, your Heavenly Father, the author of your story, is all about restoration and renewal. Especially when there’s been significant trauma, tragedy and pain. So, don’t let the power of your past failures or pain points prevent you from moving on into the “New Things” He has for you. 

Philippians 3:13 (NIV) … one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

In the military there’s a term used to describe a pilot who has shot down 5 planes or more. Those pilots are called ACE pilots. At the end of the movies, Maverick becomes an ACE. So, I want to use that same title as an acronym for how to let go of the past and move forward.

A - Agape. You need to love (agape) your enemies.

Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 

Matthew 5:46-48 (NIV) If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Storge = Parental or family love.

Eros = Romantic love. English = “erotic.” The physical aspect of love.

Phileo = brotherly love; love between best friends. Philly = “brotherly love”

Agape = Invincible good will, generosity, kindness.

C - We commit to pray for them.

Matthew 5:23,24 (NIV) “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Luke 6:28 (NIV) bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Two things happen when you pray for someone.

First, God begins to do a work in the person you’re praying for.

Second, God begins to change YOU and give you His heart for that person.

E - Extend forgiveness.

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Romans 5:8 (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ

died for us.

John 15:13 (NIV) Greater (Agape) love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

Is there someone/something in your life you’re having a hard time letting go of? A grudge or offense?

What steps can you take this week to begin letting go?

Pray that God would show you how to demonstrate agape love towards the person.

Pray for grace to commit to pray for that person/situation.

Pray for God’s strength to forgive that person.

For the next 30 days, choose to be an ACE, pray that God would give you the grace to…

A - agape that person…

C -  commit to pray for that person…

E - extend forgiveness to that person. The same way Christ forgave you.