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“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 (ESV)

Love the way Paul allowed his past to fuel his future.  He knew who he had been – a prosecutor of Christians.  Yet with the knowledge of his past, he didn’t get lost in the mire of guilt. Instead, Paul allowed His past to propel him further in serving God.  Covered by God’s grace, Paul often humbly reminded us throughout scripture that he was the greatest among sinners.  The truth of who he once was passionately freeing Paul to teach the gospel without reservation or regret. No holding back. No giving up. No clinging to old ways that didn’t serve him well.  Just totally, amazingly redeemed.

Wonder if we ever allow our past to fuel our future?  The ups, downs, failures, victories……the list is endless – our story unraveling every day. So what are we doing with what we know about ourselves and what we know about our God?

Do we shortchange His glory to give our past center stage?  Happens ever so slightly.  We zoom in, magnify and obsess over all the wrongs.  We know we’re cleansed, forgiven and set free but we still cling to unworthy.  Why?  Because we’re hitting replay over and over again until our past story consumes us.  Paralyzed, we focus on what we did versus who He is.

Solution – we need to quit letting our past feed our present and sabotage our future.  When our thoughts drift back to who we once were, we need to claim the cross and watch those thoughts fade away.  When opportunities arise to tell our God story, we need to seize the moment and release the guilt.  When the temptation comes to visit who we once were, we need to boldly, courageous and confidently call upon the name of God.

Living a life without regrets will always be the result of allowing our stories to teach us and propel us into a deeper passion to serve God.  Like Paul, we too can resist the label and humbly accept the audience God places before us.  No holding back. No giving up. No clinging to old ways that didn’t serve us well.  Just totally, amazingly redeemed.

“Father, You have forgiven, cleansed and washed away our sins. Empower us to passionately live the life You have redeemed.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life