Of Things Re-Discovered & Of Things Misunderstood

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13b-14

As I grow older I realize just how empty some things we might say can be. We wax philosophical and might say, "If you could go back and change anything, would you?" Or, "If you could change just one thing in your past what would it be?" There seems to be a 50/50 split in the American mindset over our past. It seems popular today to say, "I wouldn't change a thing" when speaking of our past. Others, (I am in this camp) would in fact change many things. I hate to think of all the things I will weep over as I prostrate myself at the Judgment Seat of Christ. (Uh...all my "GRACE-ITES" it is not the HUGGY LOVEY SEAT OF JESUS.)

Yes, I'd change some things.

But I think we all need to embrace something deeper than the shallowness of an, "Oh well!" attitude. Or, the light and slight wonderment of "what would have been." Whatever has been, our past, can be a hindrance to our personal growth, our effectiveness and to a full wholesome life in our present place and in our futures. It can also be a help in moving toward God's purposes for each our lives as well. That God can use all our past for good should be the soul's sigh of every believer in Christ Jesus.

Is the Glass Half Empty or Is It Full?

For some, recollections of the past has meant pain and heartache. They look on their past and hurt seems to be the overriding theme. They need grace so that they do not let the past dictate their current and future responses. Lifting up life situations to God for them literally means battles fought in the heart and mind, perhaps even daily so that they simply do not respond out of their history. The Holy Spirit, the work of Jesus on the Cross, the provision for love, acceptance and true stature in the Kingdom of God has to be won to provide the fertile ground of right living and responses for a victorious future.

Can you see that? If we allow our past to make us a victim, then we have not entered into the grace that God has for us. We miss the message that we are brand new in Christ. If we live on memories of a spotted past we will fail to raise our vision for new territory to claim and victories to attain. We keep playing a bad record over and over again that validates that we are victims of our past.

We are not!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland - Isaiah 43:19

God recognizes we will not utterly forget or repress our pasts. The solution is a simple question must be asked however each time one of those horrific moments in our past arises in our memory. The question is, "Lord, I know what the enemy meant when this thinking comes up. What did you mean by it Father God?"

The power of relationship to our Heavenly Father is that He provides us with a new lens in which we can view our personal history. That lens takes into consideration His sovereignty. He knew what we went through. He knows how He can use it to make us whole and further His Kingdom. We must learn as we worship, read the Scriptures, sit at the feet of those who sit at Jesus' feet. It is in this illuminating of actions that does more than just nullify the negative effects of a past with hurt and anguish. It takes that very trouble and makes it powerful and positive in us!

Many have allowed their past to dictate their future. Sometimes we do it in small and silly ways, (I'm Irish, I'm a red head, I'm a Leo, I'm German, I'm this or I'm that...) God is always about doing new things in our lives. He gives fresh revelation of His purposes in our lives. Do not live in the past nor allow yourself to believe anything about you is a limiting factor that God cannot use or turn the negative to a positive.And more than this, do not hold onto bitterness that may hinder God from doing new and exciting things in your life. He turns our desolate deserts into streams of water in an oasis that will bring life and not just to us or for us. It really isn't about you nor I. It is about those we can touch as did our great example Jesus. When we are healers we then have healing streaming through our veins...we are thereby healed. We live and death...well death dies!

How have you viewed your past? Has it hindered you in some areas of your life? Have you relied on past successes to dictate what you will do in the future? Don't negate those good things but do not rely on them. Nor, allow your painful past to negate you from a powerful life in all areas today and into your future. Put aside such thoughts and allow God to not only do a new thing in your life but also reinterpret your past. Expect Abba Father to deep personal insight so you may see the new things He wants to do in and through you today.

When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave - Author unknown

I remain...

InHISgrip,
~J~