future |ˈfjuːtʃə| noun 1 (usu. the future) a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing; time regarded as still to come: She was excited for her future.

Have you ever had a friend who just couldn’t let go of a past relationship, hurt or rejection? Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about your old glory-days, or losing interest in what is happening in your life right now because you wish you were still twenty-something? (Well, we all wish were still twenty-something, with the wisdom of our 30’s-40’s+ of course…but that’s not the point today. *grin*)

The point is, we all have a past. We have all walked through difficult circumstances or past mistakes that can and will haunt us if we allow them to. We all have moments in our past that we cling to and wish we could hold onto forever. However, if we focus too much on our past, we will miss out on what God is doing in our lives right now. And that, my friend, will have a negative effect on your future.

I read a quote from Christine Caine the other day that said, “Just because things aren’t going the way you planned, doesn’t mean they’re not going the way they should. You can trust God. He is for you!”

I wrote this down because is is such a great reminder that God is for us. No matter what we have done in the past, or what we will do in the future–our lives are ultimately in His hands. That means: God has you where you are, today, on purpose.

Are you currently a stay-at-home mom, scrolling through Instagram, wishing you had your single life back? Are you single, scrolling through dating apps, wishing you had someone to come home to at night?  

There is something about our human nature that finds it incredibly difficult to be satisfied and content with where we are right now. But our attitude today, will greatly affect our future. If we don’t understand this concept, we will be so wrapped up in our past that we won’t be able to move forward. If we are going to fulfill the God-given callings on our lives, we have to be future-focused, not overwhelmed with our past or lethargic about our present circumstances!  

“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

Paul wrote those words when he wrote to the church of Philippi, and I can only imagine he, of all people, would want to forget his past and focus on what was ahead. After all, he was once Saul, a murderer and persecutor of Christian believers before he was saved through Christ. If anyone would want to forget their past–he would!

“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’ So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord what do You want me to do?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one… Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that Jesus was the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed and said, ‘IS this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem?'” Acts 9:1-7, 20-21   

We may not have persecuted Christian believers like Saul did (before God changed his heart and named him Paul), but we do all have a past. We can choose to either learn and grow from life’s experiences, or to be stuck reliving our glory days or our past mistakes. The choice is ultimately ours.

Saul chose to forget his past mistakes and focused on the future God had for him. Because of this, God changed his name to Paul and used him to write 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament! If God can use Saul and make him Paul–then he can use us!  

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16.

Whether you had a wonderful past that you often cling to, or a horrible past that haunts you–I promise you, God has a bright, and beautiful future designed for you, if you will just trust in Him. You are not who you have been. You are becoming all that God has called you to be. Seek Him and His will for your life, and just watch what He will do!  

I pray today, for freedom from past mistakes, mindsets and bondage. I pray for passion to ignite in your soul and for new vision and clarity over your life. I pray that God would show you your God-given purpose and destiny, and free you from the chains of your past. I pray God would give you a new heart and a new, heavenly name! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

The best is yet to come!

XO-
Sabrina