Don’t Trip on What’s Behind You: My Youth Sunday Message

On a powerful Sunday morning at Central Baptist Church, I stood before my church family to deliver a message titled “Don’t Trip on What’s Behind You.” This message was part of our Youth Sunday service, centered on the theme of “Staying Focused.” It was an opportunity to speak from both scripture and experience, and to share a word that I hoped would encourage and uplift everyone in the room.

Looking Forward with Faith

My message was grounded in Philippians 3:13–14, where Paul writes about forgetting what is behind and pressing toward what lies ahead. That scripture stuck with me because it speaks directly to the theme of focus. You can’t move forward in faith while your eyes are locked on the past. Whether it’s past failures, guilt, distractions, or even past success, anything behind you can become a stumbling block if you’re not careful.

“Don’t trip on what’s behind you” became more than just a title. It was a call to realign our vision with God’s direction and to stop letting yesterday get in the way of what we are called to do today.

Staying Focused in a Distracted World

I shared with the congregation that focus isn’t always easy—especially for young people who are constantly pulled in different directions by social media, pressure, and comparison. But true focus comes from purpose. When you know what you’re called to do and who you’re called to be, it becomes easier to tune out the noise and keep your eyes forward.

Faith plays a huge role in that. Trusting God with your next step allows you to stop obsessing over your last one. Staying focused means showing up, even when you’re uncertain, and believing that forward motion is better than perfection.

A Message That Stuck with Me Too

While the message was meant to encourage others, I also needed to hear it for myself. As someone balancing school, entrepreneurship, speaking engagements, and leadership roles, I’ve had to remind myself not to get caught up in distractions or setbacks. My own journey is proof that progress happens when you stay focused on your purpose and trust God to handle the rest.

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