God created us out of love; He pursues us out of love; and He draws us to Himself out of love. There is nothing we can do to “deserve” this—it is a gift of God. Our time on earth allows time for us to be drawn, to believe, to accept in faith the gift freely offered, and to learn of and become acquainted with Christ. It is character-developing time—time for us to grow more Christ-like.
Compared to eternity, our time on earth is but a moment. The brevity of the moment gives us cause to only look forward; we should not waste any time looking back into the past. Never allow your past to control, shape, or limit your future. Like Paul, our attitude, our goal should be one thing:
“But one thing I do: 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
The Apostle Paul had a past of which he was not proud. This is true of many. There are also those who are filled with anger and bitterness because of hurt and damage suffered at the hands of others. Fact—if we hold fast to the tyranny of our past it will grow into the oppression and destruction of our future. Anything we hold close to our breast and nurture will grow—whether it is good or bad.
It is imperative, that we as Christians let go of the past and hand it over to God. We are not big enough or capable enough to handle the hurts and disappointments of the past but our God is and our God will! What is impossible with man is more than possible with God. (Matthew 19:26)
“Your life as a child of God ought to be shaped by the future (what you will ultimately be),” (Experiencing God, 2008, p. 90).
Leave the past where it belongs—in the past. Allowing yourself to be shaped and controlled by your past not only hurts those close to you but also limits you; constrains you; stunts your growth—while on the other hand—being shaped by your future in Christ Jesus sets you free.
God Bless!
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
“Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8: 31b-32, 36
