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A Different View of my Past, Present, and Future

 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:18-19


I remember the first time I put on 3D glasses. Our family was in Disney World at the presentation of “It’s a Bugs Life.” Those glasses made the bugs on the screen come to life and appear to be coming straight toward me! The glasses gave me a different perspective.

Now that I’m a believer, I have a different perspective about many things. I have a different view about my past. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I’ve done many things of which I am ashamed. What about you? Are you burdened by something in your past?

Well, believer, what does God say regarding our past sin? For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more (Jeremiah 31:34). What a liberating truth! My sins are forgiven! God has chosen to remember them no more! If God, who is holy, has forgiven and forgotten my sin, then certainly I should also. Believer, it is time to put those shovels down. Stop digging up past sins and letting them hinder you from effectively serving God today!

As a believer, I have a different view about my present. My purpose in life isn’t to pursue happiness or worldly success. My purpose is described in Isaiah: …everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made…the people I formed for Myself that they may proclaim My praise (Isaiah 43:7, 21). So, what is your pursuit in life? Are you pursuing earthly happiness or possessions? Fulfillment comes only through accomplishing that for which we were created—glorifying and praising God!

As a believer, I also have a different view about my future. To those who trust in Him, Jesus promised that He is preparing a place for us to live with Him (John 14:1-3), a place where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). Now that is a glorious future!

Father, help us learn from our past but not live in it. As we face difficulties today, give us glimpses of our glorious future with You.


Jan Burkhart

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