Podcast Summary: "Let Go and Move Forward"
Live Big with Derek Grier – Derek Grier Ministries
Date: October 27, 2025

Overview

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Dr. Derek Grier draws deep lessons from Philippians chapter 3, encouraging listeners to let go of past failures and move forward into their God-given future. With a mix of passionate preaching, candid vulnerability, and memorable illustrations, Dr. Grier explores the transformative power of persistence, humility, and faith—especially for those who feel stuck, imperfect, or weighed down by disappointments of the past year. The episode’s core message is that progress often comes with pain, and true spiritual maturity is about pressing on, not perfection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Paul’s Example: Progress Over Perfection

• Reference: Philippians 3:12 (“not that I have already attained...”)
• Paul, despite his spiritual stature, openly acknowledged he had not arrived or achieved perfection.
• Dr. Grier highlights that God does not call perfect people—He calls available ones (00:49).
• Quote:

  "Perfectionism is the most incapacitating form of self-abuse."
  — Derek Grier (06:09)

• Progress is a journey; God allows both breakthroughs and pain to keep believers humble and moving forward (03:36).

2. Facing Losses and Pain Honestly

• The community has experienced both victories and losses in the previous year (03:00).
• It’s normal to experience setbacks—even miracles sometimes do not come, and disappointment is part of the journey.
• Quote:

  "God gives us just enough progress to keep us going, but he allows just enough pain to keep us humble and to remind us we've not arrived."
  — Derek Grier (03:36)

3. The Importance of Pressing On

• Paul’s “superpower” was persistence: “But I press on” (07:15).
• After making amends or crying over loss, “keep on keeping on” is the way forward.
• Life’s value is ultimately measured by the grace we show others, rather than our personal achievements (08:35).
• Quote:

  "If Jesus thought I was worth it, I'm going to say I'm worth it too."
  — Derek Grier (08:58)

4. Purpose and Aggressive Pursuit ("Catalambano")

• God "snatches" believers from darkness (catalambano—Greek for to seize aggressively, 11:30).
• We’re called not just for ourselves, but for the people we are meant to help.
• The happiest, most fulfilled people are those living for something greater than themselves (12:56).
• Quote:

  "God took hold of you for you, but also for every life he could touch through you."
  — Derek Grier (12:00)

5. Letting Go of the Past

• The “one thing” Paul did was forget what was behind and reach for what was ahead (16:21).
• Letting go is essential for growth. Holding onto the past traps us in cycles of pain.
• Analogies:
  • Yesterday is like mouthwash: “Swish it around for a minute, but spit and repeat until done.” (18:55)
  • Don’t love what obviously doesn’t love you.
• Quote:

  "Stop crying over the life you planned. Reach for the one God has waiting for you."
  — Derek Grier (17:31)

• “The best way to not get stuck in the past is to keep moving forward.”

6. On Suffering: The Black Velvet & Diamonds of Grace

• The darkest times set up the most brilliant displays of God’s grace.
• Quote (Charles Spurgeon, paraphrased):

  "Our weakness and our pain is the black velvet on which the diamonds of God's grace glitter most brightly."
  — Derek Grier (21:30)

• Sometimes, it takes “black velvet” circumstances for God’s glory and miracles to shine.

7. The True Prize: Who, Not What

• The “prize” is not the role or achievement, but the presence of God walking with the believer (24:38).
• Drawing from the Prodigal Son story, Dr. Grier likens the real reward to being with the Father—not just what He can give.
• Quote:

  “The prize is not what you do, but who you get to do it with.”
  — Derek Grier (25:25)

• The value of relationship with God over accomplishments is emphasized.

8. Perseverance & Real Faith

• Paul’s parting testimony (“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” – 2 Timothy 4:7) is explored in detail (28:11).
  • Perseverance means continuing when misunderstood, betrayed, or hurting.
• Quote:

  "Real faith begins when your plans don't work."
  — Derek Grier (29:25)

• Faith is most alive not in easy moments, but when things are hard, disappointing, or totally off-plan.

Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “Perfectionism is the most incapacitating form of self-abuse.” – Derek Grier (06:09)
• “God gives us just enough progress to keep us going, but he allows just enough pain to keep us humble and to remind us we've not arrived.” – Derek Grier (03:36)
• “If Jesus thought I was worth it, I'm going to say I'm worth it too.” – Derek Grier (08:58)
• “Stop crying over the life you planned. Reach for the one God has waiting for you.” – Derek Grier (17:31)
• “Our weakness and our pain is the black velvet on which the diamonds of God's grace glitter most brightly.” – Derek Grier, quoting Spurgeon (21:30)
• “The prize is not what you do, but who you get to do it with.” – Derek Grier (25:25)
• “Real faith begins when your plans don't work.” – Derek Grier (29:25)

Notable Segments (with Timestamps)

• Opening on Paul’s Imperfection and Hunger for More: 00:10–05:00
• Dealing with Disappointments and the Nature of Progress: 03:36–06:30
• Pressing On vs. Perfectionism: 06:09–08:58
• Purpose, Availability, and Aggressively Taking Hold: 11:30–14:20
• Forgetting the Past and Moving Forward: 16:21–19:45
• Black Velvet Analogy—God’s Grace in Suffering: 21:30–23:35
• The True Prize—God's Presence: 24:38–26:00
• Paul’s Final Words: Perseverance and Real Faith: 28:11–29:25

Final Takeaway

Dr. Grier closes by emphasizing that true faith and victory come not from avoiding hardships, but from trusting God in the midst of them—“run on, child.” The new year brings uncertainties, but the real treasure is God’s unchanging presence. Letting go of yesterday, embracing the lessons, and moving forward with faith is the pathway to the life God intends.

For anyone seeking encouragement to let go of regrets and stride with confidence into a new season, this episode offers both comfort and challenge—reminding listeners that the ultimate prize is found in the journey with God, not perfection or external success.