Past
There are things in my past that I’m very embarrassed and ashamed of. There are things in my past that make me shudder to think I was a participant in such selfish stupidity. The enemy usually reminds me of past even as I try to focus on my future. My past is gone – I can’t change my past or do it over. My past is in the rear view mirror – Thankfully.
I can focus on today. The things I do today shape tomorrow. Today will soon be my past and if I make good choices today, then tomorrow my past starts looking better and better.
Paul reminds us to learn from others behaviors. I believe that if I learn from my own mistakes that I’m pretty smart. I’m really wise if I learn from the mistakes of others. Paul reminds the church at Corinth that the Jewish people have a checkered past with the Lord. It’s important to study and know history so that we can avoid similar mistakes. Check this out…
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:11-13 NIV)
In my past I’ve been tripped up many times by temptation. I don’t always make good choices. I absolutely love the promise of God that He will always provide a way out of the temptation. When I resist temptation today, I become stronger tomorrow. I don’t want to be arrogant thinking I’m above falling prey to temptation. I want to walk daily with the Lord and stand strong in Him. He is the source of my strength in the battle against temptation. I can face anything in the future when I lean on Him to help me through. When I stumble and fall – His Grace lifts me up and dusts me off and sets my feet back on the journey with Him!!
Pressing On! Dwayne