It is true that in Christ we are new creatures, old things are past, and all things are new (2Corinthians 5:17). It is indeed important to leave the past in the past, but there are times we need to revisit it. Sometimes we need to see where we have been to find how we got where we are today. This includes both the positive and the negative experiences. Keep in mind that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). That means every experience moves in to the positive column. The examination of our pasts needs to be done in concert with the Holy Spirit. It accompanies James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him.”
There has to be a willingness on our part to see what the Lord may want to show us. It calls for deep humility. Some have difficulty admitting to themselves they have failed at times, but everyone fell short; otherwise, we would have had no need for Jesus. You cannot live in self-denial and hope to move forward. That never works. At the same time, you cannot afford to look for failure in of itself. Rather, you simply need an open heart to see what He wants to show you. Ironically, some have difficulty seeing the positive. It is easy for them to see their failures, but they tend to overlook their successes. You need to be able to see both. Furthermore, you cannot afford to have a false sense of piety, and deny the good you have done. Humility does not deny the good works we have done because we are designed to do them. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. Where we get in trouble is when we fail to give God all the glory. By the way, you are not giving Him glory by putting yourself down.
In order to leave our past in the past, revisiting it helps us see it properly, so we can leave it behind.
Otherwise, we or others can use it against us. Of course, we can use it against others, which is ungodly. Having a proper understanding makes it easier to forgive others and yourself. Furthermore, it helps break unhealthy patterns that keeps you tethered to your past, and keeps you from sabotaging your future.
Here is one example of how this works. Someone may find himself in financial trouble as the result of his spending habits. This is where he needs to see what he did to put himself in this position. The temptation would be to pray for a financial miracle when wisdom is needed. “Get me out of this mess!” What good would a financial miracle do, if he spends himself back into a crises? He needs wisdom to navigate through his finances before the Lord can entrust him with more. In fact, He may use the current crises to teach him to become a good steward with what he has, so He can bless him with more. Thus, helping him from repeating the same thing over again.
Remember, we reap what we sow. Sometimes, a person needs to become aware of bad seed sown, so he can throw the bad seed away. Of course, good seed may have been sown as well. What we did in our past affected our present. More importantly, what Jesus did can have a profound impact on our past if we let Him. Likewise, what we do today affects our future. That’s why it is important to see what needs to change, what needs to increase or improve, and what needs to remain the same. Visiting memory lane with a proper perspective can be vital to our future. Invite the Lord to show you what you need to see, especially if you desire change.
With a proper view of our past comes a proper testimony of what God has done in our lives.
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