I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back. Philippians 3: 13-14 (MSG)

Many of us may have reason to forget our past—we haven’t been faithful to God, we have made some poor choices in life, we have hurt someone, badly. If you’re like me, I wish I could take some things back. Some of the things in our past seem to threaten our future; that, not-so-perfect college transcript, the run-ins with the police or the stretched truth on your tax return. No doubt, many of us have things that we’ve done in the past that we are ashamed of, and we struggle with what we hope to be based on what we have been.

Paul is telling us in Philippians 3:13-14, to let go of the past, the guilt and the shame. Because our hope is in Christ Jesus now, we are free to look forward to what God will help us become. And the Lord wants you to come to Him. God wants you to grow in His knowledge by focusing and concentrating on, a dedicated relationship with Him. Realize that you are forgiven and move on to a life of faith and obedience. God is offering you the opportunity to trade in your past for a new life with Him.

Lord, Jesus, we come to You today, with a past, we’re not proud of. I realize that the mistakes I’ve made, in some cases, can never be corrected. However, I learned today, that You can set me free from the guilt and shame of my past and allow me to be a living example to others.   You can still use me. You will use anyone, who comes to You with and open heart. O’ forgive me dear Lord, wash me clean of my past which comes to haunt me daily. I’ve decided to become what Christ Jesus wants me to become. I’m no longer the person I use to be. My past tells me, I’m never going to amount to much. But I believe Your word in Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I believe Your word over my life today. I’m going to keep looking to You Lord, to help me become what you want me to be. I will forget what I use to be, by your grace and mercy. Thanks for the hope You’ve given me today Lord. I won’t hold back any longer, because of my past.