Summary

The article discusses overcoming the burden of one's past by embracing a spiritual perspective and moving forward with faith.

Abstract

The author, a retiree, reflects on the common struggle of being haunted by past actions and regrets. Drawing from personal experience, the author shares a divine revelation received through prayer, encapsulated in 13 life-changing words: "Your past is not a prophet; at best, it is only a teacher." This insight, reinforced by biblical scripture, encourages readers to release the hold of their past and embrace God's plan for their lives. The article emphasizes the importance of not allowing past mistakes to dictate one's future and suggests practical steps, such as taking a screenshot of an encouraging card, to remind oneself of this liberating perspective.

Opinions

The author believes that the Devil exploits new opportunities in one's life to bring up past sins and mistakes, attempting to hold individuals back.
Prayer is presented as a powerful tool for seeking guidance and overcoming the weight of past transgressions.
The article suggests that one's past should be viewed as a teacher rather than a prophet, implying that it should inform but not define one's future.
Biblical references, such as Philippians 3:13 and Galatians 2:20, are used to support the idea that forgetting the past and focusing on God's plan is crucial for personal growth and redemption.
The author encourages a proactive approach to personal transformation, advocating for tangible reminders of one's commitment to move beyond past reg

One Way to Bravely Teach Your Past To Be Finally Past-Tense

Don’t let the Devil hold you in your past. You belong in the now

Of course, I’m retired, so most days, I’m not on anyone’s to-do list. But even us retirees have work needing our attention. This thought brings to mind something most people deal with.

It nags the daylights out of them.

What is it?

Our past. What we did or did not do weighs heavy on our minds. We said something awful we regret to this day.

Thirty-four years ago, I was ruminating about my past. I was about to become pastor of a church in trouble.

The Devil brought up my past. Seems this trick he plays on us when a new opportunity opens for us to pursue. Why do we even give thought to his accusations?

Yep, he laid out my sins, mistakes, and foolish behavior. What’s a person to do?

Pray

I prayed. I asked God how I could fix the wrongs I did and get rid of all this stuff holding me back from moving forward. Now, I did not hear God’s deep baritone voice resounding in my mind. But I did get His reply.

What I did get were 13 words. It was almost like an electronic digital script I could read. This was so powerful, so life-changing for me. I wrote the words on paper. These words have kept me sane and pressing forward. So, what are the 13 words?

Your past is not a prophet; at best, it is only a teacher.

God gave me thirteen words. So simple yet so profound.

From that day on, I do not let my past predict the direction my present and future life will take. You should not either.

Over the years, I researched these 13 words. I looked to see if some famous person had uttered these words. The closest I came was on a prospectus of an investment I was making.

Past performance does not guarantee future profits.

So there you have it. The financial world is aware, what happened in the past does not mean it must happen again.

Believe God’s word

The scripture confirms the 13 words God gave to 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 (Philippians 3:13, NLT).

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, NLT)

What could be more precise than the word God gives in these scriptures.

Here’s the wrap

Be brave today, regardless of what the Devil is saying about your past. Teach your past not dictate your future.

I encourage you to take a screenshot of this card. Print and tape it on your bathroom mirror. This is your reminder to be brave, marching into God’s amazing plan for your life.

Unhook the past and begin walking in God’s plan for your life.

You can do this. I know you can.

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Richard

Encouraging, empowering, and entertaining. In Christ.