Past

<<what has gone before>>

While our past has brought us to where we are today, destructive issues, broken relationships, insecurities, hurts and disappointments must be confronted and dealt with, otherwise they will hinder us going forward into further victory and wholeness with Christ. Forgiveness is a vital key to dealing with the past so its power can be broken and,

Don’t allow the past to define or restrict your future

while the memories remain, the crippling power of the event will not ensnare our emotions and blight our spirit – and we will know freedom. While
we can’t demand it from others, it is our responsibility to extend unconditional forgiveness towards those who sin against us. We also need to forgive ourselves, not to excuse past failure or to remain burdened by its guilt, but instead to release the past allowing God to restore what has been lost
(Joel 2:25). He is then able to use our past in a constructive way, bringing valuable lessons that we can learn from and enable us to effectively minister to others. Therefore we can thank God in all situations knowing they are working for our good (Rom 8:28; 1 Thes 5:18).

We shouldn’t live in the past with its defeats and failures that deflate our self-worth or the past victories and successes that inflate our pride (Phil 3:13). If we could re-run our lives we would do many things differently, yet

Leave the baggage of the past at the cross

that is not possible. Even after coming to salvation we stumble and fail in numerous ways. Nevertheless, refuse to let these failures intimidate and stifle your spirit. Learn from your past, and the lives of other’s, by endeavouring not to repeat the mistakes while trying to do better in the success areas as you walk in fellowship with Him and others who can hold you accountable. As you reflect on yesterday’s accomplishments that have brought you to where you are today, rather than sitting back in contentment, get excited about the possibilities of tomorrow – there are more battles to win.

Thankfully God doesn't hold our past confessed sin against us (Jer 31:34; 1 Jn 1:7-9). After sincerely repenting before God, it may be appropriate to rectify these issues with others, aware however the consequences of our actions may last a long time. There needs to be radical action taken in moral issues and even with soul ties (sexual fantasy

When Satan brings up your past, remind him of his future!

and inappropriate conduct) where there has been a wrong emotional link (1 Cor 6:13-20). It’s not just a matter of accepting Christ and retaining the old lifestyle without dealing with the sin and evil things committed in life. We are to be dead to the old, past life and walk in a new life with transformed mindsets (Rom 6:4, 12:2). Our past thinking and doing has shaped our present belief system and will determine our future unless problem areas are dealt with. Remedy the past, solve the present and plan for the future. Although the past may explain where we are, we must not use it as an excuse to stay in bondage as a prisoner, limited by our self-doubt and the expectations of others, nor let it dictate what you are going to be in the future. While the past can’t be altered, we can choose a different path going forward. Thus we focus on the present and future rather than the past.