“You Are More Than Your Past”

Philippians 3:13-14

Past is defined as gone by or elapsed in time; done; former; completed; over. 

We throw away things that are past their usefulness. But why don’t we throw away things in our past that hinder us? People allow their past to define them. In Christ, we’re a new creation. We become our true identity in Him. Loved and forgiven, we’re no longer condemned. Allowing guilt over the past to define us leads to spiritual crippling. It’s helpful to understand the difference between guilt and conviction. Guilt over past (or present) sins weighs us down, disables us, and leads to shame. But conviction by God’s Spirit is encouraging, because it leads to repentance and freedom. God remembers our sin no more. Jesus said when we know the truth, we are set free. Our  past can’t be changed, but we can change. Even the consequences of past choices can be used for the glory of God when we ask Him to transform our mind and heart. Jesus told the demon-possessed man, restored to his right mind by the Savior, to tell people what God had done for him. God wants to use the story of your painful past and your redeemed life for His glory.

I come by today to let you know that you are more than your past. We must move forward and trust God like never before. We can’t start the next chapter of our life if we keep re-reading the last one. The Lord doesn’t want us to play a victim role or blame others. He doesn’t want us to wallow in past failures or become enslaved to bitterness and regret. He wants us to move forward and make wise, biblical decisions. Be blessed and I love you!!! JE