'For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. ' Colossians 2:12
When I look back on certain times in my life, I can feel the blush begin to burn in my cheeks. No one else would notice it, but I feel like I want to crawl under my bed or disappear completely. Do you ever feel that way? I remember things I said or things I did that I would never do now. I wish I could go back and just relive that whole circumstance from my current perspective. I would have made completely different choices and saved myself a lot of grief. I would have saved the people around me some grief as well. What about you?
I hate that squirmy feeling! But when those memories surface, and they are going to surface for all of us, I need to stop and remember something. That old life is gone! I have trusted in the power of God through Jesus Christ and from the moment I did that, my life has been different.
So, should I completely forget my past? Should you? Then those blush-making memories would disappear, right? None of us like to feel that uncomfortable feeling! But what if you and I allowed those crawl-in-a-hole memories to lead us somewhere else? What if we actually took the time to recall and reflect? How can those memories lead us forward? What if remembering your old life could lead to compassion for others, recognition of your own growth and gratefulness to God for your new life?
Remember your own past. Forgetting where you came from is tempting, but don’t completely forget your old life!
It’s easy to point fingers at someone else’s behavior unless I remember who I was before I had a new life. I have done things I am ashamed of in my past, those cheek-burning, squirm-making memories. Every so often, those recollections creep up and try to crowd out all that God has done for me. But I remind myself that there is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:1) Jesus has forgiven me and changed me. Yet, there is value in remembering where I came from. When you remember your past, you become more able to recognize your own growth. You and I have come so much further than we think!
Recognize your present growth. I don’t know about you, but I can be very self-critical. Am I the only one? I don’t think so! You probably hear that self-accusing voice in your own head as well. We need to properly evaluate that voice. There is a difference between self-evaluating and self-condemning. When we properly evaluate ourselves, we can recognize where we need to grow. But self-condemnation inhibits growth. It will cause you to stop instead of moving forward. And that, my friend, is a tactic of the enemy.
Evaluate without condemnation. If that critical, condemning voice is loud in your head, then intentionally make your voice of praise louder. Look back at what the Lord has done in your life. Take time to retrace your steps and see just how far you have come. You’ve come a long way, Baby!
Reframe condemnation with gratefulness. As you are taking time to look back, what do you feel welling up inside you? God is so good, isn’t He?! Looking back with gratefulness will totally overcome that self-critical and condemning liar in your head. Sure, you and I have failed and fallen short, but when we intentionally remember where we were and recognize where we are now, how can we help but be grateful to God? We will see the evidence of His goodness over and over and over in our lives. I know who I would be without Him. I have taken time to contemplate it. I would be a fear-filled and cowering shadow-hider unable to take risks and of no real help to anyone. A decided follower, most definitely not a leader! I would never have stepped beyond the confines of comfort. When I said YES to Jesus, He began to make me someone I never expected to be and take me places I never expected to go. I can’t ever thank Him enough! What about you?
Dear Friend, I don’t know exactly where you have come from. I don’t know what past failures are crouching in the back of your mind, preparing to pounce on you with self-criticism. What I do know is that, if you have surrendered those things to Christ, you are walking in a new life. You are walking in a new reality. You are not who you were and not yet who you will be. You have a beautiful future ahead, so don’t let the failures of the past obscure the glorious sunrise of your future. Remember where you have come from, but let it lead you to recognize just how far you have traveled. Let remembering fill you with gratefulness for the new life you are living now and for the wonderful hope of a glorious future ahead.
Remember your past, recognize your present growth, be grateful that your new life is leading your forward. The old has gone, the new has come. Praise be to God!
Key Thought: Trusting in God’s power leads to a new life.
A Scripture to Consider: 'For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. ' Colossians 2:12
A YES Challenge: Set a timer for five minutes and allow yourself to remember where you were before you surrendered your life to Jesus. When the time goes off begin to compare your old life to where you are now and let gratefulness to God flow into praise!
Prayer: Father God, I am so grateful for the new life You have given me through Jesus Christ! When I remember who I was and contemplate who I would have been without You I am overwhelmed with gratefulness. Thank You for what You have done in my life. Thank You for making me new. Thank You for the glorious hope of my future with You! Amen.