One definition of the word "haunt" is to visit frequently.
Are we haunted by the things in our life that we could of and should of done better? Are we haunted by the bad choices we have made?
Do we dwell on our past failures and let them
DICTATE HOW WE DEAL WITH THE PRESENT
We've all had low points in our life that we'd just as soon forget. When we look at the flops in our life we become burdened and defeated. Wouldn't it be nice if we could say that from every flop in our life valuable life lessons have been learned ... but, that just isn't realistic. However, what is realistic is that God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us grace and mercy to move past life's failures and even learn from them. Keep in mind, humans do not automatically learn from their mistakes; we need God's help. If you are having trouble letting go of past mistakes, talk to God about it as you would a trusted friend. Prayer draws us closer to the One that knows exactly what the future holds for us. He is our Refuge and the Calm of every storm. God invites us to "cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." (I Peter 5:7).
I like to look at the life of the Apostle Paul as an example of why we should look past the failures in our life. After Paul was saved, he prayed for grace to move past the guilt he felt for persecuting and putting to death many innocent Christians of that day. Like King David in PART 1 of this series, he would not allow the past to haunt the present work God had called him to do.
Both King David and Paul prayed to be released from the guiltiness of their past sins. God answered their prayers because they recognized their own weaknesses and trusted God for the strength and perseverance they would need to live past their failures. God would have raised others up to fill their places, but imagine the loss to our spiritual lives had these men allowed these failures to dictate their service to the Lord.
Remember, our lives are just as important to God as David and Paul. God wants us to reach forth in His name and be His faithful servants, soul-winners and prayer warriors. He has given us the tools to accomplish what He has called us to do if we will only look to Him and not within ourselves.
I like to look at the life of the Apostle Paul as an example of why we should look past the failures in our life. After Paul was saved, he prayed for grace to move past the guilt he felt for persecuting and putting to death many innocent Christians of that day. Like King David in PART 1 of this series, he would not allow the past to haunt the present work God had called him to do.
Remember, our lives are just as important to God as David and Paul. God wants us to reach forth in His name and be His faithful servants, soul-winners and prayer warriors. He has given us the tools to accomplish what He has called us to do if we will only look to Him and not within ourselves.
My prayer for you is that you will not allow the ghosts of past failures to burden you and hinder you from doing what the Lord is pressing upon your heart to do RIGHT NOW.
PART 3 of this devotion will follow in a few days.....
Thank you for part 2 - It was just as good as part 1 :) Grace and mercy....those two wonderful words and actions from our Lord Jesus Christ. I think I might have to bookmark these posts so that if I begin to dwell on certain things I can come here and be reminded of God's great love towards us and how He shows grace and mercy. Have a lovely weekend. Hugs to you!
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