PUT YOUR PAST IN THE PAST

  • September 4th, 2010 | Johnny Bragg | No Comments |

    Funny thing about us. We can’t remember what we ate for breakfast this morning. We can’t remember where we sat the remote. We can’t find our car when we walk out of Wal-Mart. But we are all good at remembering our past sins, stumbles, and rough patches. We are excellent at recalling what others have done to us. We can speak in detail of past arguments, hurts, and disappointments. Our past seems to stay with us. 

    I have met many Christians who are hindered today because of the past. They cannot move forward with the Lord because of guilt from yesteryear or from what someone did to them. True, life is not easy. Stuff happens. But today I want to encourage you to get your eyes out of the rear-view mirror. 

    1. Learn to laugh at your past. If you did something dumb, repent and move on. Laugh at what a knucklehead you were, at how easily the devil used to trick you. You’re a big boy or girl now. Pick yourself up and keep moving. This has been a big one for me. People have mistreated me (and…gasp…I’ve been ugly to others).  I remember every bad phone call, email, and meeting. But I have learned to take a step of faith, forgive them in my heart, and get my eyes on this season. Laughing at yesterday goes a long way towards helping you enjoy today. 

    2. Put your past in the past. It’s over. Gone forever. If you have repented and turned away from the sin, then forget it. The Lord cannot remember your sin. Hebrews 8:12, For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. If the Lord puts our sin in the past, who are we to keep bringing it up and punishing ourselves with guilt? 

    3. Minister out of your past. What used to be a hindrance to you can become a beautiful testimony. As you grow in the Lord, you will find Him bringing folks along your path you can share your story with…those that NEED to hear what God has done in you. Over time, your stumbling block will become a stepping stone for others. 

    I encourage you to believe God to help you move beyond your past, and get your eyes out of that mirror. Regardless of what you’ve done or where you’ve been, the Lord’s mercy is STRONG ENOUGH for you. Stand up. Dust yourself off. And take a step towards the Lord today.


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