Forgetting Our Past

We all experience an instance where we feel as though we’re “stuck in a rut” or that our lives are going nowhere. During these times, we often lash out at God asking Him why have you deserted me? Have I not done all that you have asked of me? Why does my past torture me?

I’ve told you have my past and some of the tragedies that surrounded my life. I thought, for me, it was nearing the end. I just had to face that fact. I turned to the Bible…

I found this in Mark 11:24: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

…and I prayed (but didn’t quite believe):

  • Stop my heart that I may longer feel this pain. If not…
  • Deafen my ears so I may no longer hear the clamor around me disturbing my sleep and losing my focus on the things I was to do. If not…
  • Blind my eyes that I may longer see the atrocities, evil and unkindness happening around me.

Still, no relief from my heartache. No freedom from my pain. My fears and apprehension seemed to get worse with every day that passed.

This went on for months and my faith was in question. At my wits end, I found nowhere else to turn other than to scour the Internet like everyone else to ask the question “why isn’t God giving me what I need?”

Then I found a poster with these words…

I asked for Strength…
and God gave me difficulties to make me strong

 I asked for wisdom…
And God gave me problems to solve.

 I asked for prosperity…
And God gave me brain and brawn to work.

 I asked for Courage…
And God gave me dangers to overcome

 I asked for Love…
And God gave me troubled people to help.

 I asked for favors…
And God gave me the opportunities.

 I received nothing I wanted…
I received everything I needed

 

I suddenly starting thinking about all of this and I found the answers I was looking for…

  • God did not stop my heart but, instead, grew it larger that I might understand the meaning behind its worth and the help it can provide to others in need.
  • God did not deafen my ears but, instead, opened them up to hear better the sounds of nature which brought me great peace with each and every day.
  • God did not blind my eyes but, instead, displayed to me other opportunities that laid before me.

God truly did answer my prayers. I just wasn’t paying attention. I learned to change my habits.

Move forward with your lives… get out of that rut and start a new beginning…

Philippians 3:13-14: 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.

Your failures aren’t final; do not dwell on the past and keep moving toward the purpose God has in store for you.

Lamenations 3:22-23: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Every day you wake up is a day you get to experience God’s grace and faithfulness. You’ve got 365 days in 2017. Refuse to take even a single one for granted.

Lastly… and one of my favorites…

Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Before deciding to hold a grudge this year, ask yourself one question: Exactly how much forgiveness has God shown me in Christ?

Time to pay-it-forward my Brothers and Sisters!