I have been writing for the Prize31 blog for over a decade and have rarely, if ever, stood up on a soapbox. Today, however, I will because I believe in you.
So many times I see lives, families, and marriages destroyed because of slanted mindsets which we could easily call excuses. We think that there must be someone to blame for our problems or our lack. Perhaps, you had abusive parents or were bullied in school. Maybe my spouse or boss was unfair, or my co-workers were totally off base. I get it. Those issues leave emotional scars and sometimes physical scars that the blood has the power to help erase the sting.
I could list a million reasons to substantiate my behavior, choices, personality, or failures, but the bottom line is that God has given me free will. And with that free will comes responsibility to act. I can choose to break unhealthy or ungodly life patterns. I can choose to be a light in the darkness, no matter how dark it is—rather than to get in a rut of complaining and/or rehearsing it.
God created you and me to take dominion. He created us to thrive, not just survive. And He has offered all of us incredible tools to overcome and to be healed from the negative impact of the history of my life. Rather than using that history as an excuse for failure, I can use it as a springboard for success. That is not Pollyanna thinking—it is Biblical!
What are some of those tools? So glad you asked!
Forgiveness would be at the top of the list. Very little healing can occur if we are filled with bitterness. Forgiveness is not something that is earned or deserved, but rather something freely given, just as God freely forgives us, as undeserving as we are. Forgiveness does not mean that we ever have to trust or be friends with the person who brought us harm. It simply means we agree that the price Jesus paid on the cross was enough for my sin and for theirs—we have to trust that He has the ability to see that justice is served. I obey Him when I forgive others as He has forgiven me (Eph. 4:32). The healing this brings is beyond human understanding. It’s a glorious mystery.
Another really helpful tool found in Scripture is from Phil 3:13: “Forgetting that which is behind, I press on toward the goal….” It is very hard to move forward in life while looking in the rearview mirror. Truly, all of us have things from the past we wish had not happened, but if that is what we focus on, it is like a rope keeping us tied to the dock. Honestly, living in regret is denying God’s power to work all things together for good—as impossible as it may seem.
There are so many more tools found in God’s Word, but for now, this is plenty to begin practicing.
Regardless of my past—what I have or haven’t done; regardless of what others have or haven’t done to me or for me—God’s promises are “Yes” and “Amen.” When He says that His plans are to give me a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11) and that He has good works planned in advance for me to accomplish (Eph. 2:10), it will never happen if I refuse to BELIEVE HIM and insist on staying stuck in the “blame” lane. When we take the time to look back, let’s focus on Christ, rather than the injustice or pain in our souls.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for limiting YOU by making excuses and living in my own understanding. Forgive me for holding on to offenses and staying tied to the dock. Today, I choose to cut that rope; help me learn how to forgive others and myself; to let go of regrets; and to move forward into Your plans and purposes for your Honor and Glory. Help me believe that my next right step is a choice. I thank You for the power of Your Spirit, dwelling in me—I welcome the plans you have for me!
