Friend, You Are Not Who You Used To Be

I came across some old photographs recently. Really old photographs.

Of me in my younger days.

It feels like I was that age just a few years ago, but God and I both know that’s not true.

I see such hope in the eyes of the young girl in those photos. With a bright future, an independent spirit, and an innocent beauty.

But I also see the girl who was struggling to find herself. Who was in the midst of making terrible choices. Who, I guess you could say, was in rebellion, living life on both sides of the fence, and trampling on anyone who got in her way.

I wish that girl in the photos knew then what she knows now.

God chased after her lost little soul, and helped her to see the path she was walking on was one of devastation and misery. He helped her to see her answer was in Him.

I’m so thankful He intervened.

I think of who I used to be, the things I once did, and my heart is grieved. How could have I done such things??

The answer?

I’m not who I used to be.

And friend, you are not who you used to be either.

You’re a new person. With a new life. Take a look:

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Is your past not such a stellar one? Are there actions you’ve done, words you’ve said, mistakes you made that you regret? Do you wish you could have a “do-over” and start again?

Well, good news! You can.

Lay all those pieces of your past at Jesus’ feet, and He’ll cover them with His grace and forgiveness. Leave them there, forgive yourself (because He has!), and move on into your renewed life.

Oh, what a beautiful life awaits you.

Free of the burdens of the past, and fresh with the promise of life.

Let’s rejoice together:  The old life is gone and the new life has begun!

We’re not who we used to be. That’s great news for today!

And just for fun, here is a great song to get stuck in our heads today. We already know we’re redeemed (from an earlier post). May this help us walk in freedom from our past.

With much love,

Julie

 

This is Day 11 of 31 Days #CelebratingWhoYouAre. I’m rejoicing with you, and praying for you today. I wish we could meet for a cup of coffee, or take a walk together and discuss these truths of who we are in God’s eyes. Maybe one day we will. But until then, we can continue to encourage each other though our screens and devices. I’m glad you’re here.