Your Past: What has happened to you
The story of my life came alive at the age of 16 when I accepted Christ into my heart. That was the moment I became consciously aware of purpose and a my place in a bigger plan. However, My story did not begin in that moment, it was being written long before that. The Bible says that God formed me and knew me even when I was in the womb (Psalms 139). My past, good, bad and ugly past is and was an integral part of my story. God, the author of my story, (Hebrews 12:2) had been taking notes and forming me as a character, setting up my future narrative. I may have felt as if the events of my existence were random but the Author saw connection.
I can think of at least two major examples: First, I had speech issues as a kid and as a result I had to take special therapy classes just to learn how to properly verbalize words. Amazingly enough, as I reached my early teens, I began to discover a speaking gift. I accelerated in creative communication and English came extremely easy to me. Writing and forming outlines as well as the delivery of material and story telling was a natural and effortless experience. With this being said, I also awkwardly struggled with a lack of confidence. There were massive self doubts in me that haunted my days and tortured me in my private moments. Now, on the the other side of restoration, I make a living by speaking and have helped thousands to find their true worth in Christ. The author new that a broken past could be a weapon used in chapters to come.
We like to say that your past does not disqualify your future. I would turn that around and declare that your past can actually be a very important part of your future. I believe that the Holy Spirit is constantly trying to help us see the strategic purpose behind what has happened to us. Donald miller said: "I am a character in a story that has yet to be written. Random events are just noise, but a story is engaging, a story is music." The promise of scripture is purpose from pain and progress from choosing to grow. Your past is about your development, not your definition. The author gets to decide how to use the material. Your writer has promised to always script the story for your good and your destiny.
This weekend I am at Riverside A/G in Hutchinson MN for a one day life conference. They are turning the Sunday night service into a banquet, it should be a lot of fun. I will blog this weekend about the trip. Thanks for your prayers and support!
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