Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily DevotionalSample

God Can Set You Free from the Prison of Your Past I come from a background of abuse and was raised in a dysfunctional home. My childhood was filled with fear and torment. As a young adult trying to live for Christ and follow the Christian lifestyle, I believed that my future would always be marred by my past. I thought, "How can anyone who has the kind of past I do ever be really all right? It's impossible!" But Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me...He has sent Me to announce release to the captives...." Jesus came to open the prison doors and set the captives free. I couldn't make any progress until I realized that God wanted to release me from the prison of my past. I had to believe that neither my past nor my present determined my future, unless I let it. I had to let God miraculously set me free. You may have had a miserable past that continues to affect your present in negative and depressing ways. But I say to you boldly, your future is not determined by your past or your present! Let God break off the chains of your past. Prayer Starter: God, I believe that You are more powerful than my past. I receive the freedom You give me. My past will not determine my future.