Forgive. OK, but Forget?

I’m sure you’ve experienced the ‘I forgive you but I can’t forget’ scenario, especially if you’re living in a difficult family situation. We’ve been taught to forgive like Jesus forgave and to forget like Jesus forgets. The act of hurt or betrayal remains etched in our memory bank like a bad dream stuck on replay.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I’m doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

This verse seems non-applicable if you’re living in a divorced home or you’re living with someone who has betrayed you. The situation itself is a constant reminder. How does God really expect us to forget? We’re human, after all, and the enemy enjoys reminding us of the past. You must have God’s power to move forward so your past (or the situation you’re living) doesn’t determine your future.

I once heard a pastor say, “We move forward to the future through eyes of the past.” This has really stuck with me. We learn from our past and we are better prepared for our future because of what we’ve experienced. God says in Isaiah ‘I’m doing a new thing.’ You’re not prisoner to what has happened to you or to what you’ve done because our wonderful Lord has moved on and is opening doors you could never imagine. You will never see the ‘new thing’ if you don’t lift your eyes from the doldrums.

Peter denied Jesus three times but God forgave him and started doing a new thing almost immediately. God used Peter’s life to change so many lives. I can’t speak for Peter but I feel pretty confident he never forgot denying Christ, but he didn’t let his shame determine his future.

Jesus will do no less for you.

Encouragement:

Everybody has a story and your story won’t always be good things. Your character is developed best by your reaction to difficult situations. Thank goodness God’s infinite power will help you do the right thing. Forgive and get ready, because God is doing a new thing! Don’t miss it.

Know I’m Praying for You,

Sherry