OUR PAST CAN'T BE FOUND

The past can’t be found unless we go digging it up or the enemy may speak about it during our moments of failure.  Although we learned valuable lessons or we had to re-learn again, grace awaited us.  Grace never gave up!  Sometimes we look at the past or our present weakness and wonder, “Am I really important?”  “Do I really matter to anyone?” Condemnation makes us feel that we messed up too much for God to give us a second chance, GOD'S LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL! His love is constant, true, and always open to a heart who wants to change.  Grace invites to come to the throne of grace!  It actually calls us to RUN!  So, run!  Our mistakes blind our eyes from seeing our potential or value in this world.  Besides being blind, we are deaf to the truth.  We come to Christ so blinded by sin, bruised from hurt, and covered in filth.  It's only when we come to Christ; we really see!  It’s only when we are hidden in Christ; our potential will flourish. 

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God ~ Colossians 3:3

It’s only when we allow Christ to change our life; our past can’t speak against us.  Our past holds us back because we see the “old man” or remember our evil deeds.  So, if we truly believe what the Word of God says.  It’s a dead issue to God. 

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.   As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.  Psalm 103:11-13

We can’t measure the love of God, even if we tried.  It’s beyond measure!  Yet, it’s so great towards those who fear His name.  God is constant; He never changes. God doesn't change His love for you but His love will change you.  As a loving father reaches to comfort his hurting child, so does God.  He reaches for us only to bring us close to Him!  He isn't so appalled by our sinful appearance to withhold His grace from us!  It's only through Christ, we can be made new!

So, how do we not allow our past to defeat our future?  It’s a very good question, one I believe is solved in Colossians 3:1-3. First, we must realize we don’t live in the past anymore; it’s locked away.  Christ our Savior has thrown away the key, no one is allowed in!  YOU ARE RAISED WITH CHRIST!  In other words, the past can’t have you!  Your life is with Him!  Christ rose from the dead to bring life!  He showed death has no power, the power of sin is broken, and LIFE WITH GOD IS ALL THAT MATTERS!  Second, we have to keep our eyes fixed on Christ.  We must keep seeking His heart for our lives; He will direct us but we must seek earnestly.  Christ seats on the right hand of the Father to INTERCEDE FOR US!  So, whatever happens in this New Year, may you realize Christ is aware of it!  Also, He is already praying for you, so may this bring comfort.  Third, may we keep our focus on what matters!  One day this old world will pass away, the tears will fade, and trials will be no more!  No matter what the enemy does; he can’t defeat us!  What he has stolen; he has to return it!  God will restore EVERYTHING the enemy stole!  Restoration, renewal, and rekindle the flame of our heart; God IS ABLE!  So, don’t allow your lack or what’s left defeat you from walking towards the promise!  GOD NEVER GOES BACK ON HIS WORD!

God parted the Red Sea to bring deliverance but it was complete when the waters fell.  God didn’t ask the children of Israel to walk through the parted waters again or to build a boat; He asked them to walk though and never turn back!  God miraculous and powerfully delivered us from sin; to show who He is!  Not only did it silence the enemies who wanted to keep them in bondage!  It brought fear to the children of Israel so they would put their trust in God alone. 
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The past keeps us in bondage, a place God doesn't want us to dwell or walk.

A heart who fears God will walk victoriously through any situation, we don’t need to be afraid.  “As Moses answered the people, “DO NOT BE AFRAID.  STAND FIRM AND YOU WILL SEE THE DELIVERANCE OF THE LORD WILL BRING TODAY!  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14

We are not without hope!  The steadfast love of the Lord NEVER CEASES!  Understand our hearts may express different emotions about the New Year being here.  Yet, don’t look with fear or you will not know which way to go.  Stand confident in the Word; it’s the only source for deliverance.  Yet, if people who speak about you today; they will not remember you tomorrow!  God will take care of your enemies, let Him fight!  He still silences enemies!

Pain Brings Healing

Pain doesn't discriminate; it comes to all who live and breathe.  No one will escape pain upon this earth, even our precious Savior suffered.  The nailed hands of Jesus don't only prove He understands our scars, He paid for our healing.  No matter how deep the scar; He can heal the soul.  As the painful memories surface, we can feel the pain re-surface or seem it's intensified to blind our faith.  The pain is so present, real, and overwhelming to our mind, it can causes us to question if God is present.  "Where is God?" Do I even matter to Him?" "Or  anyone?"  "Does God even know my name?"   If we are not careful, our feelings can control our lives.  It's not wrong to express the anger, frustration, or sorrow before God.  All of our feelings need to be worked through, so we can be made whole.  The book of Psalms truly reveals the heart of the writer, so it reveals the raw emotions we all experience in life.  Whether afraid, angry, burdened, or uncertain the writer expresses their honest heartfelt emotions to God.  The Psalmist was completely honest before God, he withheld nothing.  

In Psalm 13, David expresses the anguish of his heart, he was weary of the affliction. He felt forgotten (v 1); abandoned by God (v 1); Ignored (v 1); wrestled with thoughts (v 2); sorrow (v 2); and defeated (v 2, 4)   

All of David's feelings arose due to the feeling afflicted by King Saul who was savagely pursing his life.  Saul's jealousy for David caused a lengthy persecution lasting about eight or nine years (1 Samuel 27:1)  David openly expresses his emotions, the torment, and desire for relief from the hand of Saul to God.  He was weary from the length battle but God never left his side.  Besides David expressing his emotions, he expressed his faith to God.  He expressed his faith by turning to God (v 1); hope for restoration (v 3); trust in His unfailing love (v 5); rejoice at His rescue (v 3) called out to God (v 3); praised Him (v 6)

Trials have no set time period but they do have an expiration date.  Our pain doesn't have to keep us down, we can overcome it.  We can trust in God's unfailing love; He will hold us, mend us, and complete us.  We don't have to ignore the pain; we can express it.  It doesn't mean we are weak; it means we are human.  Our Savior understands our sorrow, our temptations, and intercedes in our behalf.  "Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers from them ALL." Psalm 34:19

All season of our lives have value; a valuable purpose under Heaven.  Our character is sharpened, our faith renewed, and watching the majesty of God to bring good out of it.  When the pain seems dark; hold unto the light.  "You intended to harm me, but GOD INTENDED IT FOR GOOD to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20)