Lessons from Your Past
"You Learn from the Past, You Don’t Live in It"
Good morning Ekklesia Family
At Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries, we believe in empowering you to grow in your faith and move forward in the plans God has for you. Today, let me encourage you with this truth: You learn from the past, but you don’t live in it.
Isaiah 43:18-19 says: “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?”
God reminds us here that while the past may have shaped us, it isn’t meant to hold us back. He’s always moving, always working, and always leading us into something new. That doesn’t mean we ignore the lessons we’ve learned, but it does mean we’re not defined by our mistakes, failures, or even past successes.
Philippians 3:13-14 adds this: “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul could’ve been weighed down by his past—he once persecuted Christians—but instead, he fixed his eyes on Jesus and the future God had for him. That’s what God is calling us to do: learn, grow, and move forward in faith.
And here’s the key for you today: if God has delivered you from the pains of your past and has given you joy unspeakable, don’t let anyone or anything steal the joy He has given you. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Guard that joy! Treasure it! And live in it boldly, knowing God has set you free to walk in His purpose.
So, let me ask you: What’s holding you back today? Is it guilt? Fear? Pain from past mistakes? Or maybe you’re clinging to a past season because it feels familiar. Whatever it is, remember this: God’s grace is bigger than your past. At Ekklesia, we’re here to help you release that weight and step into the new thing God has for you.
Jesus says in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Let’s surrender to Him right now.
"Lord, I thank You for delivering me from the pains of my past and filling me with joy unspeakable. I give You my failures, fears, and even my successes. Help me to guard the joy You’ve given me and press forward in faith. I trust You for the new thing You’re doing in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
At Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries, we believe in moving forward together as disciples of Jesus. Remember: You can learn from the past, but you don’t have to live in it. If God has given you joy, hold onto it, protect it, and use it to glorify Him! Visit us at ekklesiachristianlife.org to learn more about walking in freedom and living for Christ. Keep pressing forward—God has so much more for you!
LoveUmorethanUknow Pastor Stephän Kirby