A New Year in Christ: moving forward from the irreparable past
But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. -Isaiah 52:12, NIV
I have been reading the daily devotionals lately from Oswald Chambers and today’s devotional brought to mind a recent sticking point for me…how do I reconcile my past and move forward in my walk with Christ?
If I am being honest, I still wrestle with this daily. Every time I read about Solomon I see myself. I was given all the opportunities in the world to succeed and walk down the right path. I was “raised” in a household that attended church (for what that’s worth). I was gifted by the Almighty with a sharp mind and some ability for insight that showed promise (if applied). I was not inclined to any vise, but I also had no preparation against it.
Once I was on my own, the ways of the world took over and I was more than willing to relinquish control. Besides, I was young and had plenty of time and the entire world in front of me, so why not? Vice and apathy are strong motivators to destruction. Years of stagnation followed. And though I was brought to fear God, could anything good still come from my life?
If you know the story, you know Solomon had it all: wisdom, riches for himself, and peace and prosperity for his kingdom. But he was plagued with a love of women and easily manipulated to worship the false gods of his wives. The wisest man, one who had been visited by God himself, couldn’t help but to fall to the sin of this world. Solomon’s once great kingdom turned to turmoil, and his once magnificent future was reduced to a glimmer of what could have been.
Solomon reconciled his relationship with God, but his kingdom was never the same and Solomon’s own legacy was a small remnant of what it should have been.
Standing in the middle is where I find my struggle. I have reconciled with my past and my Maker, but I haven’t seen what remnant God will have in store. I am a young Christian, like a few long weeks young today, but I know His word is true.
Paul tells us
and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. -Romans 8:28, NIV
But we have to see that through. It is our job to trust that the Lord will go before us, as Isaiah said. We must make peace with our irreparable past and look forward with faith and thoughtfulness to the opportunities that God will provide. It may not be the riches of Solomon, but I do know God will restore my life to bring glory to His name. At least then, my journey through this side of eternity is not in vain.
No witty summation…just a hope that you find peace with your past, reconcile with your Creator and Redeemer, and put your faith in His grace to bear fruit in your life.