When you think about your past, what are the first things that come to your mind? Sure, we think about the good times, but strangely enough, we remember our failures and painful moments like it happened yesterday. Some of us even shudder at the mere thought of it. Sure, it’s human nature to recall bad memories more than the good ones. But if you are having a tough time getting past your past that it has taken a toll on your life, it’s high time you leave it behind you.
Perhaps, it was a traumatizing situation, a failed career or a painful relationship that has left you shell-shocked and got you convinced too well that you cannot have a good future because of it. Or maybe it was a bad choice you’d made that has left you paying the price. I want to assure you that even if your past paints a dark shade of grey over your future; your past would never control your future. Here’s why…
When God said in Isaiah 43:18, 19
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
He meant it. Today, God does not want you to dwell on your past regrets and sorrows. He has something new and fresh for you in store and you would be surprised what He can do with your life!
Here are 4 things you can do to snap out of your past so that you don’t lose track of your future:
- Let go. Everyone has had some experience that they are not quite fond of recalling. Rule of thumb: what has happened has happened. It’s over and it’s time to put it behind you. You must make an effort to compulsorily move on rather than reliving it every day and exhausting yourself. Mistakes are good. It helps you rectify where you had gone wrong. It is clear that you can’t change the past but you still have time to change your present and future. If you are unable to let go of it yourself, ask the Holy Spirit for a helping hand. After all, He is the Helper (John 14:16) and He is more than willing to help you in all your situations. Remember,
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
- Become His vessel. The best thing about walking with God is the impossible becomes possible as He is able to supernaturally transform us into something we could not consciously do ourselves. When you decide to surrender yourself unto Him, you allow Him to supernaturally work on you.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NIV)
One such example is Joyce Meyer. Despite her rough past, she decided to give herself completely to God to work on her. And the result speaks for itself. Maybe you had a rough past too. Instead of bearing the brunt all by yourself, why don’t you just give it all away to Jesus and ask Him to break you free from the past and its strongholds. Psalms 55:22 says,
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.
For that, you must talk to him through your prayers. Although not expecting an overnight transformation, you can expect a complete change for the best when you submit yourself to Him.
- Strain forward. The verse, Philippians 3: 13, 14, hits the nail on the head.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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.
You are God’s master plan. You represent His plan which is also your perfect future. Just as Joseph came full circle in walking according to God’s will and fulfilling it despite the pain he encountered, He expects you to represent what He has created you for. Remember God doesn’t judge us according to how bad we had fared previously but He expects us to bring out our best in the future. And when we humble ourselves under His loving presence, He will promote us in due time! (1 Peter 5:6).
- Remind yourself. Your past has no power over your future unless you give it power. So remind yourself and say it out loud until your mind gets accustomed to it. Remember the bigger picture: God requires your actions for His name to be glorified through your life. And it’s worth living for it!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today I have decided to surrender myself to you as I know you are able to bring a good change in me. I ask you to heal me and break every stronghold of the past and help me to live a better life from now on. I thank you that you have not given up on me and expect the best in me. I dedicate my future to live according to your will.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
