Target Point, Vol. 2 of 33 Today's Verse/Thought: Releasing The Past
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor. 5:17
Life Implication:
The Bible makes it clear that we need to let go of our past. If we don't it will become a powerful stumbling block toward our discovering God's unique plan for our life. 1John 2:11 warns us that if we hate our brother we will be in the darkness (in a fog, not able to see). The two biggest problem areas here are the hurts from past failures or negative experiences and unforgiveness toward others.
Life Application:
With regard to past failure, meditate on Isaiah 43:18-19, Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Make a list right now of the negative influences from your past. Now, ask God to take them from you in prayer. At this point you must have the faith to believe that it is gone, over with, and be like Paul in Philippians 3 when he says, Forgetting what is behind, I press on toward the mark. Pray every day until you feel God has released you.
Next, ask God to show you where you may be unforgiving. If you ask Him, He will. Then, DO IT-! Decide to go to that person and do whatever you must to be reconciled. I promise you that you will experience a freedom like never before. Remember that God loves that person just as much as He loves you, no matter WHAT they may have done or said.
If the one you are having difficulty with is deceased or not able to be found, that matters little to God. He can still free you, but you MUST give it to Him.
Now you need to write down what you have just done and keep it with your devotional materials as a reminder. Remember that overcoming is not an event, it's a process.
Finally, remember that there will be times when your flesh and the devil will want to remind you how much you are a victim. Resist and remember that God is in control.
Tomorrow In TargetPoint:
Resisting Temptations