Lately the Holy Spirit has been nudging me to leave my past behind, to open myself up to responding differently and thinking new thoughts. When I started thinking of scriptures that would help me, man oh man, there were sooo many! Let’s start with this one.

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”‬‬

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT

This passage was the obvious one, after all Paul clearly states he is forgetting the past—or what is behind him—and moving forward. But how do we manage to leave behind all those things in life that have shaped how we respond to what we face in the present? Paul gives us some help in this next passage of scripture.

“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.”‬‬

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭TPT

Here’s another.

“… Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”‬‬

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV

So right here I wanted to add the verse about what all the word is good for, but it is taking me into a different direction than I intended. I want to point out verses that reveal the heart of God when it comes to second chances and moving forward, like—

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”‬‬

Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭ESV

We love this scripture so much it was written into a song. Why? Because we need new mercies everyday and God is willing to show us mercy. Because of God’s love for us He sent Jesus—you know the verse—and now we can be born again, we can become God’s children. Paul tells us we become new creations in 2 Corinthians 5:17, and in 1 John 1:9 John says if we confess are sins God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Hebrews 8:12 says God will remember our sins no more. Isaiah 23:45 says He blots out our transgressions. Psalm 103:12 says He removes them as far as the east is from the west. Micah 7:19 says He casts our sins into the depths of the sea.

I think you get the point, God doesn’t want to remember our past failings, our doubts, our stumbles, our faithlessness. He is ready to move things along, leading us into His purpose. Every moment we spend dwelling on our mistakes is a moment we’ve wasted. Our debt has been paid in full on the cross. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that His grace is sufficient, God’s grace takes care of our weaknesses. For me that means all the thoughts that I’m not good enough, or all the fears I allow to stop me from stepping out in faith, don’t have to be there. Out with the old, and in with the new.

“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”‬‬

Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭21‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT

I have one final thought from my prayer journal this morning—I saw what God wants in my life from 1 Corinthians 13:13—faith, hope, and love. If I have those I’m on the right track.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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