Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 KJV
I’ve heard it said, We all have a past. Let me tell you, I’m thankful to serve a God who loves, forgives, is full of mercy, compassion, grace.
When I look at the men and women whom we all consider to be Bible heroes, I am overcome by God’s love. He truly does not hold our past against us.
Once upon a time, I was ashamed of my past, ashamed of the mistakes I made. But then, I realized that despite all of that God still loves me. He died for me – all of us – while we were sinners, living in sin. I’m no longer ashamed of my past. Rather, I know that it is forgotten. No, I haven’t forgotten, honestly, I don’t want to forget. The past no longer has a hold on me. Instead, because of my past, I have learned of the love and grace of God. I can share this with others. I can use my story to help encourage others who may be bound by their past, their mistakes.
My sister put it nicely when she said, “I was able to share the Jesus that I came to know, the love that He is.”
It makes such a difference, knowing Jesus and His love for ourselves, rather than just hearing who He is.
*Original Image by Yours Truly
On the Outside Looking In 