Relentless JoySample

Paul had a lot of imperfections in his past. He was once an enemy of Christians, even to the point of killing them until Jesus revealed Himself to Paul on the road to Damascus. It was then that Paul converted to Christianity. The Paul we know planted much of the early church and wrote much of the New Testament. However, when he first converted, not everyone was convinced. Paul actually faced many opponents that constantly used his past to discredit his apostleship.

Had Paul focused on his past, he would have every reason to wallow in self-pity. Instead, he’s able to move forward because he does not waste time focusing on something he cannot change. In 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Paul explains it this way:

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:15-17 ESV)

If we want freedom from our past, we can’t focus on our past mistakes. Instead, we should focus on God’s relentless mercy. Paul is not focused on his imperfection, but rather on God’s perfect patience with him. We can look behind, but we won’t find joy there. Or we can look up to the God who redeems and restores. That is where we will find true joy.

Being free from our past isn’t acting like it never happened. It’s not looking back on the situation with fond memories. Freedom from our past is to look back and still see God is with us, holding our hand through the darkness when at the time, it didn’t feel like He was there. Maybe you’re not there yet, and that’s okay. Still, I know that regardless of how we feel today, or what we did yesterday, God was with us even in our darkest moments. How do I know this? Because we’re still here today. You may have been through such dark seasons where you should have lost your life, or you should have lost your mind, but still, you’re right here because God never let you go no matter how great the mistake, how harsh the rejection, or how dark the valley was. You are still here because God was with you. If that is the only redeeming aspect you can think of today as it pertains to your past, that God was with you, then let me tell you this Beloved- that’s all you need!