When you became a Christian, God gave you a new heart. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun. Jesus paid the price for our sins. What amazing grace He gave us!

When I was a younger Christian, I would have trouble moving on from my past sins and mistakes. My past seemed to taunt me. I didn’t fully accept God’s forgiveness and it kept me bound and fearful.

Do you relate to this? Have you ever hid away from your past mistakes or even denied them? Sometimes the past can creep up for a visit. Perhaps you run into an old flame or an old friend you had before you were saved. Maybe you have a dream of days gone by and you wake up feeling the shame of yesterday. Maybe you made a mistake years ago and although you have been forgiven and made clean, you still have consequences that serve to remind you of a very bad choice.

If this is you, I have good news. Your past is under the blood of Jesus. Your past is past. Don’t be afraid of it or deny it. In the power of Christ face it head on as you remind yourself and others that you are not your past! You are a new creation and all your past mistakes serve to help you see your need of God. Your painful past is a place in which the Holy Spirit can not only redeem but instill great compassion for others. You are a daughter of the most High King. Jesus paid a high price for your new heart and your forgiveness. Don’t let the regrets of your past drive you into hiding. God loves you and wants to use you. Satan wants you to believe you have the power on your own to redeem your past life. He tempts you to try harder….be better….hide from the past. Only in and through Jesus can your past be redeemed and washed away and once you accept His forgiveness and redemption….it’s DONE. Now, go in peace and love your Heavenly Father with all you are and all you do!