Sunday, June 30, 2019

Don't Let Your Past Hold You Back, Focus On Your Future And Rejoice!

“You shall not go out with haste … for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” —Isaiah 52:12

“Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ. Leave he broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.”  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

The remembering our past failures (sins) has two edges.  On the one hand, they remind us that we have a sin nature and that nature has been a powerful influence in our lives.  We have proven the truth of the Word … all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and there is none righteous (Romans 3:10).  Our past failures remind us that we do not deserve God’s favor.  But on the other hand, we also know that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”  (Romans 5:8).  We know that we have been redeemed.  (Galatians 3:13) “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law (from the judgement of God) by becoming a curse for us”.  

The Apostle Paul described the hold that our sinful nature has on us as bondage. Jesus said the He will set us free from that bondage.


"Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:34-36


That does not mean ours sins are somehow, “OK”, but it does mean that we are forgiven.  It doesn’t mean that there are no consequences, but it does mean that we have hope.  It does mean that we have help.  It does mean that we have a certain future.  Don’t let your past hold you back.  You are a child of the King.  If you have not done so already, repent. Then focus on your future and rejoice! 

God Bless You

Charley

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