Well, God bless you, and great to be with you today. I hope you’ll stay connected with us during the week through our daily podcast, our YouTube channel, social media, and by visiting us in person. We’d love for you to be part of one of our services.
I like to start with something funny. I heard about this lady who was out shopping with her husband. He asked her not to buy any more clothes, but she saw an outfit in the store window, tried it on, and secretly bought it because she liked it so much. A couple of days later, her husband found out and said, ‘Honey, I asked you not to buy any more clothes.’ She replied, ‘Well, I didn’t mean to, but when I tried it on, it looked so good. Satan tempted me, and I couldn’t resist.’ Her husband said, ‘Why didn’t you use the Scripture and say, “Get behind me, Satan”?’ She responded, ‘I did, but he told me it looked even better from a distance!’
Say it like you mean it: This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I boldly confess: my mind is alert, my heart is receptive, and I will never be the same. In Jesus’ name, God bless you!
I want to talk to you today about freedom from your past. We’ve all had negative experiences that could hold us back—mistakes we’ve made, times we’ve compromised and done things we shouldn’t. We can end up living in regret, feeling guilty, and being down on ourselves. Sometimes, it’s what others have done to us—hurts, betrayals, or words that leave scars and wounds. These can limit our future and make us feel inferior or unworthy.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Some have gone through trauma, dysfunction, a rough childhood, or toxic relationships. This can lead to a false sense of responsibility, thinking they’re to blame. ‘I must not be good enough,’ they think, ‘or they wouldn’t have treated me that way.’ It’s easy to become imprisoned by our past, living afraid, hiding skeletons in our closets, and fearing shame or embarrassment.
Here’s the good news: nothing in your past has to stop your future. No mistake you’ve made is too much for the mercy of God. No hurt, injustice, or trauma can cancel what God has purposed for you. He has beauty for your ashes, but you have to step into it. You can’t live looking in the rearview mirror and still reach your destiny. How much power are you giving to your past—guilt, hurt, mistakes, or threats?
When we’ve been through negative experiences, it’s easy to fear they’ll happen again. Don’t let your past make you shrink back. The enemy wants to convince you that your past defines you. Remember, Paul, who wrote almost half of the New Testament, once hated and persecuted believers. God transformed him, showing that no one is beyond redemption.
Stop letting the enemy hold you back. When you ask God for forgiveness, He cleans your closet. Move forward in faith, knowing your past has been taken care of. The threats, guilt, and shame have been defeated. You are free to step into the greatness God has planned for you.
In the Scripture, Nimrod, the great-grandson of Noah, lived in fear of another flood, even though God had promised it would never happen again. Similarly, we often make plans based on past fears rather than God’s promises. Don’t build towers of fear like Nimrod did. Instead, build towers of hope and faith, trusting that God has a future full of blessings and joy for you.
When the Israelites escaped Egypt, Pharaoh’s army chased them, representing the past coming after them. God parted the Red Sea, but He didn’t stop there. He destroyed Pharaoh’s army, ensuring the Israelites would never fear them again. Likewise, God wants to eliminate the power of your past so you can live in freedom.
The enemy tries to remind us of our mistakes, wounds, and limitations. But God says, ‘The enemies you see today you will see no more.’ Your past has been dealt with at the cross. Don’t let negative memories play on repeat. Replace them with visions of the blessings, joy, and success God has for you.
Moses initially ran from his past after making a mistake, but God called him back to fulfill his destiny. Your mistakes don’t disqualify you. God has taken care of your past. Now it’s time to move forward in faith, embracing the destiny He has for you.
Like Moses, like Paul, like countless others, your best days are ahead. Break free from the chains of your past. Believe and declare that every bondage, every shame, and every fear is being broken. Step boldly into the life God has prepared for you.
If you’re ready to make Jesus the Lord of your life, pray with me: ‘Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior.’ If you prayed that simple prayer, you’ve been born again. Find a good Bible-based church and keep God first place in your life.
