Not Your Past

Most of us have something in our past that we’re not proud of. Decisions we’ve made, people we’ve hurt, and things we’d rather keep hidden. Some of us have secrets that are bigger than others, but we all hide pieces of ourselves for fear of how people would respond if they only knew. If we let it, that fear of being found out will keep us feeling discouraged, disqualified, and resigned to living a small story.

On His way through Samaria, Jesus talked to a woman who knew what it felt like to want to hide. She was so ashamed of her past that she was drawing water from the well during the hottest part of the day when she thought no one else would be there. To her surprise, she met Jesus.

Through the course of their conversation, Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah. He knew everything she had ever done, including that she was living with a man who wasn’t her husband. Instead of condemnation, Jesus offered her living water and eternal life in Him. The woman was so completely changed by her conversation with Jesus that she ran back to the very people she had been avoiding to tell them to come meet the Messiah.

The grace and love Jesus showed the woman in that one encounter was enough for her to shed her shame and fear and go running to the people who had treated her poorly. And her boldness was rewarded. Because of her courage to face her neighbors, many more Samaritans believed in Jesus and were saved.

We all have a past. None of us are perfect. But we don’t have to stay trapped in our shame. Jesus came to save us from our sin, and by believing in Him, we are made new. Like the woman at the well, when we fully accept the forgiveness and healing that Jesus offers, we can live confidently–no matter what we’ve done or what others know about our past. And when we’ve been changed by an encounter with Jesus, others will see the difference in us. They will want the hope we have and be drawn to Him.

What secret shame is keeping you from living with confidence? What are you hiding about your past that Jesus wants to use to draw people to Him? Maybe you’re ashamed of a former addiction or a past affair. Perhaps you’re afraid someone will uncover your struggle with anxiety or think your past disqualifies you. Or maybe God is the One you’re hiding from. He already knows what you’ve done and stands ready to forgive you. Just turn to Him and ask for forgiveness.

Whatever is holding you back, it doesn’t define you. Your story is not who you are. If you’ve asked Jesus for forgiveness, your slate has been wiped clean. You don’t have to keep carrying around the shame that Jesus has already defeated. He knows everything you’ve ever done, and He calls you redeemed. He wants to use you to reach people that no one else can reach–people who may only listen because of where you’ve been.

It’s time to fully accept forgiveness and stop hiding so you can live in confidence and share the light of Jesus with people who need Him.

Action Step: What sin has Jesus forgiven that you’re still allowing to weigh you down? What fear is holding you back from sharing with others what God has redeemed in your life? Take the vulnerable step to share what you’ve been hiding with a trusted friend.