Philippians 3:13 “ … forgetting the past …”
It would appear that it is inherent to the human condition, and it is without a doubt a method employed by Satan, that we frequently struggle to let go of the past, particularly our previous mistakes. In one of his schemes, the devil intends to bring us to our knees, and once we are there, he intends to keep us there. Even the great Apostle Paul had to contend with recollections of his bad experiences in the past. The experience of failure can cause us to believe a falsehood. It might cause one to feel hopeless and to believe that there is no point in continuing.
But God offers us redemption! The miracle of redemption doesn’t change the past, but it offers hope that God is not done. Opportunities may have been missed. Decisions made may be irreversible: nevertheless, God says, “Get up and move on into a new day with sins forgiven!” That’s redemption!
I think of Peter’s personal failure when he did the unimaginable. He denied even knowing Christ – not once, but three times! It was unthinkable! Just moments before, he said that he would die for Jesus. Imagine the sense of defeat and despair Peter must have felt. Have you ever felt that way? Ever felt like giving up? Don’t!
One of my favourite devotional writers, Oswald Chambers, said, “Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ, and go out into the irresistible future with Him.” That’s exactly what Peter did. Jesus told him, “I’m not through with you, Peter. Feed my sheep.” You might think Jesus would have said, “I told you so!,” and scolded him. But He didn’t.
When you feel the weight of despair over your past failure and you’re living with irreversible consequences, the sheer regret can lead you into hopelessness. In that moment, you have a choice. You can listen to the voices of defeat and quit, or will can hear the voice of Jesus saying, “Get up and follow Me.”
Paul dealt with his past like this.
Philippians 3:13-14 “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”When Peter rose from his defeating denial, he went on to declare the risen Christ at a public festival in Jerusalem and three thousand people responded with faith in Christ!
I wonder what God has in store for you? Let redemption do its work in your life and experience what God can do through you now.