Past – Breaking Free from What Has Gone Before

Our past has shaped who we are today, yet it need not define who we become tomorrow. While the experiences behind us — both painful and triumphant — have brought us to this present moment, the Christian journey calls us to confront what has gone before, release its hold, and step forward into the freedom and purpose God intends for our lives.

Dealing with Destructive Issues of the Past

While our past has brought us to where we are today, destructive issues, broken relationships, insecurities, hurts and disappointments must be confronted and dealt with, otherwise they will hinder us going forward into further victory and wholeness with Christ. Forgiveness is a vital key to dealing with the past, so its power can be broken and, while the memories remain, the crippling power of the event will not ensnare our emotions and blight our spirit — and we will know freedom.

Don't allow the past to define or restrict your future

While we can't demand it from others, it is our responsibility to extend unconditional forgiveness towards those who sin against us. We also need to forgive ourselves, not to excuse past failure or to remain burdened by its guilt, but instead to release the past allowing God to restore what has been lost (Joel 2:25). He is then able to use our past in a constructive way, bringing valuable lessons that we can learn from and enable us to effectively minister to others. Therefore, we can thank God in all situations knowing they are working for our good (Rom 8:28; 1 Thes 5:18).

Leaving the Past Behind

We shouldn't live in the past with its defeats and failures that deflate our self-worth or the past victories and successes that inflate our pride (Phil 3:13). If we could re-run our lives we would do many things differently, yet that is not possible. Even after coming to salvation we stumble and fail in numerous ways. Nevertheless, refuse to let these failures intimidate and stifle your spirit. Rather than being crushed by failure, view it as a teacher — every stumble carries a lesson, and every lesson is a growth opportunity. When we reframe failure as feedback, we stop being defined by what went wrong and start being shaped by what we learn from it. Move on, don't live in the past — the memories, both good and bad, are what was; the present is here, so use it wisely and prepare for tomorrow.

Leave the baggage of the past at the cross

Learn from your past, and the lives of others, by endeavouring not to repeat the mistakes while trying to do better in the success areas as you walk in fellowship with Him and others who can hold you accountable. As you reflect on yesterday's accomplishments that have brought you to where you are today, rather than sitting back in contentment, get excited about the possibilities of tomorrow — there are more battles to win.

Freedom from the Power of the Past

Thankfully God doesn't hold our past confessed sin against us (Jer 31:34; 1 Jn 1:7-9). Confessed sin is covered by the blood of Christ (1 Jn 1:9), and therefore we must not allow Satan to hold the memory and power of past failure over us. When the enemy accuses and condemns, we stand on the truth that Christ's sacrifice has already paid the full price — there is no further debt to pay. After sincerely repenting before God, it may be appropriate to rectify these issues with others, aware however the consequences of our actions may last a long time. There needs to be radical action taken in moral issues and even with soul ties (sexual fantasy and inappropriate conduct) where there has been a wrong emotional link (1 Cor 6:13-20).

Don't allow Satan to hold the memory of past failure over you

It's not just a matter of accepting Christ and retaining the old lifestyle without dealing with the sin and evil things committed in life. We are to be dead to the old, past life and walk in a new life with transformed mindsets (Rom 6:4, 12:2). Our past thinking and doing has shaped our present belief system and will determine our future unless problem areas are dealt with. Rather than being paralysed by past experiences, we are to grow and develop through them — allowing God to use every trial and failure as a catalyst for spiritual maturity and deeper dependence on Him. Remedy the past, solve the present and plan for the future. Although the past may explain where we are, we must not use it as an excuse to stay in bondage as a prisoner, limited by our self-doubt and the expectations of others, nor let it dictate what you are going to be in the future. While the past can't be altered, we can choose a different path going forward. Thus, we focus on the present and future rather than the past.

Reflection and Application:

Is there unfinished business from your past that still holds power over your emotions, relationships, or sense of self-worth?
Are there people you need to forgive — or perhaps yourself — so that the grip of past events can be broken?
What past victories or defeats are you relying on instead of pressing forward into what God has for you now (Phil 3:13)?
How might God use your past experiences — even the painful ones — to bring healing and hope to others (Rom 8:28)?