er take a good, hard look in the rearview mirror of your life? Who or What do you see in the review mirror? Is it a highlight reel of triumphs or a blooper reel of blunders? Maybe a little of both? We often judge ourselves by our past because it's human nature. The real question is, do those memories empower you, or do they hold you hostage?
I know I've wrestled with this question. Trust me when I say I've got a past that is a dramatic movie. The beginning, the plot, and the….ending? As far as the ending is concerned, it has not been written yet in my eyes. As the Bible teaches that God knew all while before we were born. As we think about our past and present, faith will guide us. It will help us move toward the future. But the beauty of faith is that it doesn't erase the past; it redeems it.
Who Was I? A Trip Down Memory Lane
Let's play a quick game of "Would you believe me if...?"
If I told you I sold drugs to any and everybody, would you believe me?
If I told you I was an alcoholic, would you believe me?
If I told you I drank and smoked weed with my mom, would you believe me?
If I told you I used to rob people, would you believe me?
If I told you I was a runaway at the age of 16 and that I’m still running, would you believe me?
The first four are easy to swallow. But that last one? That's the kicker, isn't it? How can someone still be running after all these years?
The truth is, we're often running from the shadows of our former selves long after we've stepped into the light. Even with faith, those old habits persist. Those past mistakes linger in the background. They wait for a moment of weakness to pounce.
Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV):
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 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."
The Breadcrumb Trail: Why the Past Keeps Catching Up
Think of your past as a trail of breadcrumbs. When you stop running, you leave those crumbs behind. It invites the past to sneak up on you. This happens even when you think you've left it in the dust.
| Aspect | The Past | The Present |
| Focus | Regret, Shame, Fear | Hope, Faith, Redemption |
| Motivation | Running from something | Running towards something |
| Strenght | Self-reliance | God's Grace |
| Key Emotion | Anxiety | Peace |
Running on Empty vs. Running on Faith
Problems will always try to chase you down, and they will win if you face them on your own. It takes faith to outrun that past. When you run with faith, you're not just escaping your old self. You're trusting that God’s plan is greater than mistakes.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King Jr.
From Running to Standing: The Power of Redemption
So, yeah, I still have a past, but I don’t have to keep running from it anymore. The faith that I now walk in isn’t about perfection. It’s about trusting that with every step, God’s grace is ahead of me, covering me, and moving me ahead. And when I stop running, it’s not about leaving everything behind. It’s about moving toward the future. I know He’s already redeemed the past.
Embracing the Journey: Steps to Stop Running and Start Living
Acknowledge Your Past: Don't pretend it didn't happen. Face it head-on.
Forgive Yourself: You can't move ahead carrying the weight of guilt.
Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or counselor.
Focus on the Now: Don't dwell on what could have been; focus on what can be.
Trust in God's Plan: Believe that He has a purpose for your life, even with your past.
FAQs:
Q: Does acknowledging my past mean I'm dwelling on it?
A: Not if you acknowledge it with the intention of healing and moving ahead. It's about understanding how the past has shaped you, not letting it define you.
Q: How do I forgive myself for past mistakes?
A: Start by recognizing that everyone makes mistakes. Ask for forgiveness from those you've wronged and accept God's forgiveness.
Q: What if my past is too painful to confront?
A: Seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can offer a safe space to process your emotions and develop coping mechanisms.
Final Thoughts:
Stop running, you are already free. Your past doesn't have to dictate your future. Embrace the journey. Trust in God's plan. Move ahead with faith. Know that He's already redeemed your past. He has a bright future in store for you.