People say to leave the past in the past…where it belongs. To move on. To forget. To grow. Because the past supposedly does not matter anymore and you cannot change it. I disagree. The past should never be forgotten. If we forget the past, we cannot grow because we cannot learn through the pain and mistakes. The past is a present full of wisdom that is begging to become of treasured gift to you. Don’t forsake the insight the past has to offer.
The past is evidence of God’s faithfulness. I look back at how different things were only a few months ago and I am dumbfounded by how God orchestrated the person I stand here today as and what my life looks like. Too often we fail to remember the prayers we cried out during the struggle after much time has passed since those cries were answered. Because of this reality the Truth that we serve an amazing God who wants what is best for us and is completely good sometimes forgets to make the journey from our minds to our hearts. We may cry with joy over an answered prayer moments after it happens, but let us not forget those moments that displayed God’s glory even years after they occur.
Share these moments with others to restore their faith in the goodness of our Father. Journal about the times the fog lifted and you were able to see God’s provision in your life. I know I am quick to forget the amazing works He has performed in my life, but when I look back on my poetry or journal entries dating years back, I can see how God planned everything flawlessly and it is a beautiful thing.
After living in Dallas for almost five months now, it could be so easy to let the works of God’s faithfulness in my life here slip my mind. This is my normal now. My school, my job, my friends, and my church is my new normal. Every day I must remind myself of the fears I had coming into this city and the struggles of the summer leading up to my life here. Every day I need to remember the past so my everyday life does not become routine. Because this life I live now is a miracle to me. God’s hand pushed open every single door I have walked through here. I pray I will never forget this reality and that as I continue through the different stages of life, I make a conscious effort to seek to understand how God is working in my life.
The past gives us the ability to see God and reveals a glimpse of His plan. If we forget it, we can easily forget His graciousness and goodness. That pain we experienced has a purpose and just a small piece of that purpose is seeing God’s hand in your life. Journal often and cherish the memories of trials and heartache for when you look back it will bring joy and peace allowing you to trust our Holy God with your future.
With love and grace,
Olivia Mars
LiveGrace 