Thursday, July 31, 2014

Painful Memories


eDevotion
Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Young people have fewer memories than the elderly, but we all have them. And some of the memories of the past are painful. In fact, there may be an experience or experiences that make you cringe whenever you think about it. Broken relationships. Bankruptcies. Molestation. Moments of weakness. Chemical abuse. The list is endless. It’s possible that as you read this, something comes to mind—a haunting memory.

If that is the case, then you have a friend in the apostle Paul. He wrestled with the same thing. As a matter of fact, he considered himself the worst of sinners and “the least of all God’s people.” He didn’t write those words for literary etiquette or for the appearance of humility. Because he mentioned his past many time in his writings, the reality of his sinfulness never left his side.  

Paul didn’t let the painful memory of his sinful past hold him back. He had been forgiven by a loving Savior. Now, those memories served to highlight God’s redeeming love, acceptance, and forgiveness. Paul went on to serve the Lord with thanksgiving.

Do you have a painful, paralyzing memory from your past? Well, join the club. But consider this; in Christ, that memory spotlights the Lord’s grace and mercy in your life. You are forgiven. Because of that, not even your haunting memory can hold you back from effective ministry.  

What a blessing! 

Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. Ephesians 3:8

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