When past sins haunt you it can feel like you’ve been knocked down. Ashley shares some tips for how to rise up in today’s Monday Minute.
When Past Sins Haunt You
by Ashley Saulnier
My past wasn’t pretty, but my present and future were all complete, because of Jesus. Would I be able to show my peers that? Or would I simply succumb to the paralysis of my fears.
According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of paralysis is complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body.
Many of us suffer from paralysis brought on by fear. It could be fear of losing our husbands on deployment, fear of a perception we are to upkeep as a spouse, or a fear that someone will find out something about our pasts that will tarnish our status. We fear that, ‘even though’ I trust God has washed me clean, that sins will still come back to haunt us.
Is this wholly trusting God or doubting what he has already done for us when we truly repent of our sins?
The Truth of Jesus
The truth is, we are slaves to sin if we are not obeying God’s word and believe in Jesus (John 8:34-36). We are ensnared by the curse brought on by our ancestors, Adam and Eve. But we don’t have to live in sin. We can live free and completely be free of the grip of fear and so much else, which accompanies sin.
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
God did not intend for us to live in fear. Jesus said that his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:28). We can follow all that the Bible says in order to not be gripped by fear.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7
What if we believed that we don’t have to live in fear? This is a reality and the truth of God. Once we accept and follow him, it is finished.
All About Jesus
Though we may face consequences of our sins, the beauty of being set free means that we don’t face the eternal wages of our sins. What do we need to do in order to follow God’s instructions?
- Believe that Jesus came so that we could be free from sin and inherit eternal life (John 3:16)
- Receive him in faith and confidence in the repentance of our sins (Matthew 4:17)
- In love and in whatever position we find ourselves, preach what we have learned from God and share with all who will listen (Matthew 28:19-20)
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
C.S. Lewis
It does not matter where we find ourselves now. In our assigned foxhole, Jesus relieves us from the fear of our sin and fear of the past.
So what are you waiting for?
Rise Up
Pause Take a few minutes to give quiet time to the Lord and yourself. Spend time thanking him for revealing to you how hopeless you are because of your sin. As a result, like Martin Luther stated, it’s the beginning of your salvation.
Reflect Through your quiet time, reflect on where you are now and what God has brought you through. He is faithful to see you through to whatever end.
Train Memorize Psalm 51:10 which says, Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Whenever you begin to think the past will re-emerge, bring this verse to the forefront of your mind!
Prayer
Father, thank you for your truth because as you have revealed to us in your word, it is truth. Thank you that your truth is you are not out to get us. You have not forced your will upon us. You are our loving and true Father who wants to make us new and for us to have life and live abundantly. Thank you for seeing us through every high and every storm. To you be praise and honor forever and ever. Amen.
If you past sins haunt you, the prayer team would be honored to cover you. Submit your confidential request HERE.
