Devotional Scripture
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:18-19
Devotional Passage
I ran into an old friend; someone I knew before my life did a 180-degree turn. As I was leaving somewhere, something just told me to go take a walk and I ran into him. While catching up on what’s been transpiring in our lives, he said something that had me thinking since that meeting. He said “I knew you before you became a mother and you are a strong individual, beautiful inside and out back then and still are. I had forgotten the person I once was, as I have been so deep in the place of surviving and getting through. It was as if it was meant for me to walk into him just so that I can be reminded that I’m not the sum of my past nor the picture people painted of me. Not only after that conversation with him did I realize I am not crazy after all, I also realized the best thing I did for myself was leave those situations that had me thinking the worst of me.
I’ve been dwelling in the careless decisions and narrative of my past. That’s because I’m constantly reminded of it due to those I have to deal with due to various connections. That chapter in my life has long been over and I now know, (through the reminder of that friend) I have the courage to cut ties to those connections. And I know with the Father’s love and grace I don’t have to be chained to the thoughts of what others think, which has kept me feeling guilty and in condemnation. Now, that chapter is done. I am leaving that behind me, as I desire the peace promised to me. I’m ready to pick up and go into the new place designed for me, forgetting that chapter ever existed – just like my Father has done when I accepted Him for real, into my life.
Contributed by – Kristina Cousar