Getting Past Your Past
Over the past few months, God has been teaching me some amazing things about breaking free from the past. Listen, I've made a TON of mistakes: relational, physical, financial, the list goes on. It is all to easy to get caught up in re-hashing these mistakes and wallowing around in regret and shame. As a believer and a daughter of the King, I have to fight actively against those accusations from the Enemy. When Satan comes to tell me that I've dug a hole for myself that I won't be able to get out of, I fight that lie with truth. I remind myself that those who trust in God are not put to shame (Psalm 22:4), and that my life is truly precious (Psalm 22:20). That doesn't mean though that the fight isn't exhausting! One of the tools that has helped me continue to walk in truth is making a blueprint for my life. My own coach calls it a blueprint, I call it a vision statement for my one-on-one clients, and I've heard other teachers call it a priority clarity statement. This is a page you write where you pour out your vision, your dreams, your desires for your life. You phrase these desires in the present tense, as if they were already yours. You speak this page out daily, with emotion! Over time, your actions begin to line up with your vision for yourself.
To be clear, ALL of our dreams and desires, if we are believers and followers of Jesus, should remain submitted to His will. So, I'm not saying that just because you will something, it will happen. But there is power in our minds, and there is power in the tongue. This is Biblical!
One of the statements in my own blueprint for life is "I am radiant." That is what I desire to be, so I put it in my blueprint:-) Imagine my delight, then, during my quiet time this morning, when I read Psalm 34:5:
"Those who look to Him are radiant! Their faces are never covered with shame."
What confirmation!!! The Bible tells me that I am, indeed, radiant. My face is never covered with shame, because Christ has covered my shame for me. I live freely, outspoken with love, regardless of any past mistakes or sins. I do not have to carry that burden of shame - because of God's goodness, He has removed it from me!
If you have been feeling weighed down by shame and guilt, God wants you to know that in Him there is no condemnation and that He covers over all your shame. You are radiant! You can believe it, because it is true. You may have to speak it over yourself daily to begin to believe it, but He will be faithful to work it out in your life.
This is coming from a girl who, back in 2006, binged pizzas and cookies and guzzled wine for the better part of seven months to jump to from 5'7" tall and 140 pounds to 220 pounds. So, if you feel like you're past hope, I hear you. I felt hopeless too! But God met me in my hopelessness. Psalm 34:6 says that "This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles." I have seen it borne out in my own life time and time again. I call to the Lord, the Lord hears, the Lord saves.
This salvation is available for you too! If you have not believed in Jesus as your Savior and you have questions, I would love the opportunity to speak with you about this eternity-changing decision. Leave a comment or reach out to me via email and I will happily respond.
If you ARE a believer in Christ, but have felt tied up and bound up by past or current sins, God is calling you to freedom! We were not created to live as slaves to food obsessions or body shame. I encourage you to give all those feelings of shame to Jesus and accept the truth that He has made you free indeed. And start living like the royalty that you are!
Love you much, image-bearer,
Sara Anna
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