ALL IN – UNTANGLING FROM THE PAST
… The king destroyed the altars that Manasseh had built in the two courtyards of the LORD's Temple. He smashed them to bits and scattered the pieces in the Kidron Valley. The king also desecrated the pagan shrines east of Jerusalem.
2 Kings 23:12b-13a (NLT)
So much of what we do in life is influenced and handed down from our families. We have hobbies, interests and passions that all seem to be passed on. The unsavory secret is it seems we also have sin patterns and struggles that can be carried on. This was the story with Josiah. There had been a continuation of sin and struggle. Josiah’s grandfather and his dad had both done evil in the sight of the Lord. It’s important to know that Jesus helps us deal with our past so that we can move forward in our present. I say this a lot, but your past isn’t your past if it impacts your present. Josiah might have thought he was destined to continue in his father's footsteps, but he wasn't. God had different plans. God has different plans for you as well. What Josiah understood, that we must all understand, is that his Heavenly Father's power in him was stronger than his earthly father's. God meets us in our past and sets us free. You are free to live the life God has for you because you know His blood flows through you. You aren't destined to grind it out for the next several decades or repeat the past. Here's why: God hasn't just forgiven you; He's also set you free, which means you are free to live the life God has for you now.
The cross has truly set you free and you must understand and believe that. Jesus is a better savior than you are a sinner. No matter where you have been, no matter what your family before you has done, God has created you for good things. When God met Saul, He changed him; He gave him a new name. Fathers name their children, and it was almost like God was saying I'm the most powerful Father in your life. Part of the Christian life is learning things and unlearning things. Sometimes, we put the face of our earthly father on God. No matter how good or bad your earthly father is, he doesn't compare to God. God will never leave or forsake you. If you have had an absent father, you can feel that you need to provide or figure things out. You don't. You just need to run to your heavenly Father, and He will take care of everything. God has power over everything, including your past, and if He says you are free, then trust that you are free! Trust that today.
APPLICATION: Your heavenly Father directs your future, and He is good.
PRAYER: Ask God if there is anywhere you aren't trusting Him. Ask Him if you feel freed from your past. Ask Him if He's forgiven you, and then practice letting it go! Spend time reflecting on what He's done for you.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?