The Pastor of my previous church called me. He and I had been close. I was the church secretary, and we spent a lot of time talking. He was there for me the beginning of my Christian life and got me going on the right path.
He wanted to know if he could refer someone to me who’s going through something like what I went through in my past. He asked me to share and minister to this person. I felt honored that God wanted to use me in this person’s life. All the pain, heartache and struggles I went through were not in vain. God is going to use those to help others in need! I love ministering to others, to see someone who is hurting and struggling find hope and healing. There is no greater joy than to watch transformation happen.
As we talked, we caught up on each other’s lives. I updated him on a few things, and he asked me questions that no one has asked me lately. Things like: How do you feel about that? Where are you in your walk with God? How is your soul? After I got off the phone I got thinking about his questions.
I realize I am at a place in my life that I’m making excuses to God for my sins. I’m not being accountable or responsible for the way I’m living. I am blaming my past experiences for my current behavior and choices. I love God and want to be obedient, but I am afraid to do what I know is right. I don’t trust my ability to make right choices. I’m currently living with someone outside of marriage. I know what Scripture teaches, yet fear has kept me from taking the next step. I’ve allowed past hurts to speak louder than God’s promises.
I was delivered from my addictions by God in a supernatural way and have a hard time remembering some people need to be healed step by step. I know we are transformed from glory to glory, and I need to have mercy and patience to allow God to know the timing that’s needed. This is a learning experience for me because my sobriety was immediate. It was a miracle. I believe God may be using my boyfriend (and maybe this other person who is being referred to me) to teach me the various ways He works.
The Bible tells us:
“I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So, I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize.My friends, I don’t feel I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.” Philippians 3:12-14 (CEV).
Also, “Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.” II Corinthians 5:17 (CEV).
Both verses tell me I am not to look at the past for a picture of the future. The past is exactly that, the past. God doesn’t ask me to pretend it never happened. Instead, He asks me not to let it define me or limit what He can do through me.
I pray these words have given you something to think about in your own life. If you’re like me have used your past as an excuse for sin or a reason to doubt what God can do, join me in trusting Him with the future. Let’s confess our sins, repent, and remember that He has always been faithful. He loves us, walks with us and we can trust Him.
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