Leaving the past behind

A friend posted pictures today on Facebook from 2001. It brought back great memories of people, places and events. I was smiling as I saw people at camp, on missions trips and serving the community together.


Looking back on our lives can be a good thing.

There are however, some things that that we would like to forget.

As I reflect on past mistakes, I am embarrased to have people know some of the stupid things that I did. The first thing that comes to mind is the time that I left the church late one night. Crash! "What just happened?" I asked myself, as I sat there dazed. The confusion quickly turned to embarrassment as I realized that the parking lot gate post was down and I had driven right into it! My front window was

shattered! All I could think of was,"I hope no-one saw this!" I drove home as fast as I could still reeling from the incredibly dumb event that had just taken place. You should have seen my husband's face when I showed him the car.


We have two choices in regards to our past mistakes.

• Learn from them and move on.

Or

• Keep repeating them in a never ending cycle.

Scripture tells us that everyone of us has sinned and that we all will make mistakes. There is no way around it. But, we do have a choice in how we deal with them!

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:8-9

I love that God says we are to recognize our mistakes, tell Him about them and then let Him clean us up!

Remember also what He said to the woman caught in adultery, "Go and sin no more!"

This is the second part to making mistakes. Don't keep doing them!

Make a decision today to leave the past behind you and press on to that which you have been called to.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,  Ephesians 1:18

Father,

May we learn from our pasts to better serve you in the future. Thank you for your forgiveness and grace.

jann