January 20, 2023

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Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14) ESV.

Whatever the negative things that have happened in your past are holding you back, let them go. The most weakening is guilt. Some of you reading this today may be carrying a weight of guilt upon your shoulders that are almost humanly impossible to bear. In last months’ Devotional Thoughts, I mentioned how Paul dealt with his guilt over persecuting and killing the Christians. If Paul hadn’t overcome that guilt, he would have been useless to God. God’s grace made it possible for Paul to do this. Moreover, Paul used his past to fuel his future. Paul’s incredible love for Christ motivated him to achieve what he did in his ministry.

That said, whatever you have done or whatever has been done to you – the question is: What are you going to do about it? Will you sit in a corner and allow the devil to stomp all over you, or will you allow God to use your past for His glory in the future? If you have confessed your sin to God, asked Him to forgive you, and turned from it, then it is covered by the blood of Jesus. God is no longer interested in it. He is interested in what you will do with the forgiveness and grace He has given you through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Friends, God has a plan and a purpose for your life. Do not let your past stand in the way of fulfilling that purpose. The truth is that none of us would be able to be used by God if it were down to our worthiness. We are all sinners saved by grace. May we put the past behind us and “press forward toward the prize in Christ Jesus?” Would you join me in praying today?

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for holding on to my guilt for so long. I have used that guilt in many ways as an excuse not to move forward. Today I choose to look to Jesus, my Lord, and Savior. I want to be used by You, Father. Please guide and help me to fulfill Your purposes in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

## Encouraging Words: It’s not God’s purpose to condemn you; He desires to take away your sins, to keep you from evil, and to save you through Jesus Christ. 

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17).

God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><

Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org

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