UNCOMMEN: RoarSample

Overcoming Your Past

In spite of God telling us we are a new creation in Christ, everyone spends time dwelling on their past. You can read in Acts 9:26-30 how Paul's history tries to affect his future. The disciples weren’t open to Paul due to his past and were “afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.” It took Barnabas getting involved by bringing Paul to the apostles and telling them about what happened on the road to Damascus. 

It’s great to have a pal like Barnabas to stand up for you when you need it. But I’m going to be truthful: most of us won’t have a Barnabas there when we need him. While it’s good to have another person willing to assist you no matter of your past, it’s better to have the Holy Spirit always there to support you.

I have a group of men who may be willing to speak up for me. However, I know that I have a Savior who died for ME and is always there for me to lean on.

Our past serves a purpose. It reminds you where you were before Christ, and how Christ freed you from bondage to those sins.

This series is named “ROAR” because there are many places in the Bible where we are instructed to be “BOLD” in our faith. I’m a realist at heart, and I’ve always let my past push me to better things. Yes, I’ve done and said things that I regret, but I’m not that person anymore! I try to look at that person like a stranger, and while I’m not yet what I want to be, praise God I’m not what I used to be.

Instead of denying your past, confront it. "I used to do that, but it's not who I am anymore. God is working on me."

Uncommen Questions: 

Do you use your past to push you to be better? 

Do you use your past like a crutch that you lean on and hobble through life?

Do you know what God says about your past when you take Jesus as your Savior? Psalm 103: 10-13

Uncommen Challenge:

I challenge you to remember that your past has its place in your life. It's a reminder of what happened, but a catalyst to push you to grow past it. Do not let others use your past against you and please do not use your past against yourself either.

ROAR - I’ve been saved, and I want to be more like Jesus!

Scripture Verses: Acts 9:26-30