Some of the greatest barriers in our lives often are not the things that lie in front of us, but what’s behind us –our pasts. A proper perspective and appreciation for our past will allow us to glean the wisdom gained from our experiences, while at the same time preventing us from becoming hostage to them.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
Philippians 3:13-14

Some of the greatest barriers in our lives often are not the things that lie in front of us, but what’s behind us –our pasts. A proper perspective and appreciation for our past will allow us to glean the wisdom gained from our experiences, while at the same time preventing us from becoming hostage to them.

I’ve heard say that the best thing one can do is to forget their past and move on. I don’t exactly agree with that statement. God brought you through what you’ve been through so that you would remember from whence you’ve come. Those who forget their past are bound to repeat it. Your ability to remember (not repeat) your past is a powerful weapon in the arsenal of a Believer. What you are able to remember is the substance of your testimony. The Bible says: “they overcame him (the devil) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony…” (Revelations 12:11, underline added). The struggle remains: “How do I remember my past without repeating it?”. My answer is, “you must learn to use what I call “rearview mirrors””.

If you’ve ever driven a car you have no doubt used rearview mirrors. Rearview mirrors are those devises that allow you to see what is behind you while at the same time moving forward in the direction you’re going. You can keep your eyes on what’s ahead of you and still reference what’s behind you. They allow you to momentarily reflect on what’s in your past, while maintaining your focus on your future. We must learn to do the same thing in our lives. We must be able to reference our past while not having to turn around and lose focus of where we are going. Whether you know it or not, God has equipped you with rear view mirrors.

When we submit ourselves to God’s Word and Will, we are in His hands. We can reflect on what we’ve been through while being kept secure by His Spirit. His Spirit guides and keeps us in the places we feel before. The Word of God is a mirror that allows you to keep your past, present and future in perspective. Without the mirror of God’s Word we are tempted to turn around and look back, losing sight of where we are going.

Other people did not make it out of what you’ve had to face. God has a purpose and plan for you - which also includes your past. Your past does not have to be a hindrance to your future. You must learn how to keep it in its proper place - the past!