Forget the past and move forward (FOCUS Part 1)

I had the privilege of speaking at my church last weekend and I will share the notes with you over the next few weeks. I spoke on F.O.C.U.S. There are many things in life that can distract us and cause us to lose focus and miss out on the promises of God.  I pray that what the Lord gave me blesses you!

 F-Forget the past and move forward!

I discussed two ways in which we can look back on the past and lose focus.  We will explore the first point today; looking back at our past with regret.

 Looking back at our past with regret

The devil loves to remind us of who we used to be, causing us to lose focus.  When you think back on your past sins, you feel unqualified/unworthy of operating in your gifts that are NEEDED in the body of Christ. You lose sight of who God has called you to be.  You begin to rehearse all your past sins and condemnation imprisons you. “I made too many mistakes for God to use me now,” become your normal thinking pattern.  The shame from your past haunts and cripples you from moving forward. Yes you sinned but if you have repented, God has forgiven you. It is time to move on! Stop focusing on who you used to be, that person is dead! 

You must resist the temptation to look back.   Instead focus on the truth that you are now forgiven. You are redeemed. You are new!  Once I really got the revelation that I am forgiven and I don’t have to live in condemnation the devil’s reminders of my past lost their influence on my mind and spirit.  There was no Velcro on me for his accusations to stick to.  Don’t waste your pain by looking back.  When you focus on today, you will begin to see how God is masterfully redeeming your live from destruction. 

Reflect on the meaning of the following scriptures as you spend time with God this week.  Are you living in the reality of these scriptures?

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Romans 8:1(NLT)

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.