For some, remembering is the hardest. When the memories of the past — of who you once were — press uncomfortably against who you are today, it can be easy for feelings of shame, doubt, and regret to cast a dark shadow.
You recognize the gift of salvation. You read the verses about God’s forgiveness. But the waves of guilt keep coming to quiet your testimony. In the silence, you feel safe, insulated from backward glances, unkind words, sneers of rejection.
And in that moment, Satan celebrates.
Why are memories of the past important?
But that was then and this is now. Memories of the past, both good and bad, are important markers that can help shape your future, as long as those “once upon a times” don’t keep you frozen to the past.
Let looking back allow you to look forward so that your faith builds, and with confidence, you cast aside the regret of past mistakes. Stand boldly in the knowledge of Christ’s sanctifying grace and mercy.
Yes, once you were….
- Alienated from God (Colossians 1:21)
- Dead because of your disobedience (Ephesians 2:1)
- A slave of sin (Romans 6:17)
- Far away from God (Ephesians 2:13)
- Full of darkness (Ephesians 5:8)
But in Jesus, you’re released from the “once were,” those defining, possibly disabling, memories of your past.
Because in Christ, you are redeemed (Ephesians 1:7 ESV) and made new (Isaiah 43:18-19, Colossians 3:10). Praise God that he redeems all he allows and that a painful past can be a reminder not of your weakness but of God’s greatness.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
If you need a reminder of God’s amazing grace, have a listen (below) and let these words of truth wash over you.
This post is part of the Five Minute Friday blog link-up. It’s an opportunity to join up with a community of writers and bloggers of all ages and stages who gather around a single word prompt to free-write, unscripted and unedited, for five minutes.
This week’s prompt :: Once
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Thank you for blessing me with your beautiful words! Visiting from the FMF!
Thank you for your kind words, Barbie!
So encouraging to know that in Jesus I am released from the “once weres”. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, it is!
putting aside the past and remembering who I am now in Christ… so pivotal.
Thank you for sharing; have a wonderful week.
Thank you, Paula! You, too!