The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FORGET (10/17/19)
It’s said that pain etches a deeper memory. I wish I could refute this, I wish the good memories were engraved so deeply in my mind that it would be nigh impossible to retrieve the bad ones.

Yet, the smallest things can spark a painful memory— a certain smell or a familiar song, sometimes even a particular turn of phrase.

God knew it would be our tendency to regurgitate and ruminate on our regrets, our painful past, our times of blatant disobedience.

The evil one wants us to be stuck in our pain, to let our past define us— rather than let it be defined by the wondrous possibilities of the present. He wants our shame to immobilize us, to make us feel we are no longer worthy to be used by God.

And yet, God has given us the ability to choose what occupies our mind, to take captive those joy-stealing thoughts, to set our minds on things above, to believe He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west. We can hold closely to the truth that there is now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. We can trust Him when He tells us that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Bible is chock full of ordinary people who chose to turn their backs on God, and yet, through God’s abounding grace and mercy, their lives were transformed and they lived on to accomplish great things for Him and through Him.

But like anything worthwhile, it takes discipline to banish those ugly memories as soon as they surface—to remind ourselves that it’s not happening NOW and that we are in fact, new creatures in Christ.

We can boldly claim His promise to work ALL things (even the really ugly things) together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus.

In light of all God’s promises of grace, forgiveness and mercy, I’ve often wondered why He doesn’t allow us to forget our shameful acts entirely. We can choose to push them into the corners our minds but we are unable to banish them all together. I believe God doesn’t let us forget because when those same temptations return (and they will) we’re better equipped to say no, to stay within the boundaries God lovingly drew for us.

There is no sin so egregious as to rob us from a life of righteousness and peace—an incalculable gift that is ours for the taking—through Christ alone. Hallelujah!

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained for it.” Hebrews 12:11
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 446 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Roxanne Howard
10/24/19
You would think the good memories would keep the bad memories at bay but I guess some of us need to remember so we won't make those mistakes again. Just don't use them as a crutch and fall back to unpleasant things. Nicely done.
Barbara Culler 
10/25/19
Yes, we learn from our mistakes!
C D Swanson 
10/26/19
So many people will relate to this well written piece that was right on topic!
Well done,
Blessings~
Debra Brand 
10/29/19
Amen!