Even as a victim you now have control. Your past was not chosen for you, but your future is within your control. How your past affects your future is in your complete control! Will it be easy, heck no, but you are powerfully made, you have a God in your corner that knows nothing is impossible. He is finding ways to turn this past into a testimony that will bring glory to the kingdom.
As much as I would like to say I was a victim, I wasn’t. I knowingly walked into sin. I let myself be lead away by sinful desires- exactly how the Word says not to. I was at fault and I persuaded others to follow along. I am not a victim, I am more of a friendly predator. That’s the trench that I dug.
Now, I know the truth and am fighting against that past/ human desires, knowing I’m not just reporting this to myself at the end of the day. I have a Savior that is watching. I have a Savior that has already been crucified for my actions and is willing to give me an inheritance in heaven! He’s given me a sit at the table and I will not fail Him again.
Okay. With those logistics out of the way, let’s talk about control.
In a previous life, I was in control in a way that lead down the path of “it’s my way or the highway.” I was stubborn to others emotions and expectations. I would do what I wanted and no one was going to tell me different. I literally have, “i choose” tattooed to my forearm; meaning “no one is going to tell me what to do.” And y’all, I’m was an extremist! I refused to do line dances because they were organized dancing, and no one was going to influence my dance steps!
I have walked this out since childhood, Mom jokes that I would try anything once, and I did.
I would like to believe that I have a different kind of boldness now. Jesus put everything into a perspective that I didn’t have. A perspective that has changed everything. I do not walk in the trench’s anymore. I walk on a cleared path laid out before me by Jesus himself!
James 1:14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drags us away.
Galatians 5:16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
These are only two verses that address that sinful nature. The Word is very clear on what will happen when we don’t stay focused on Christ.
Something I like to encourage people with is this: You are very aware of your past experiences, actions and thought patterns. You are in the drivers seat of how to handle it moving forward. You can stop and capture all thoughts that aren’t from God. You know which doors not to walk into. You know which calls not to answer! You have control because you know what sin you walked in!
Examples I’ve heard- if you’re a recovering alcoholic, don’t go to bars for a coke or the atmosphere. If you run with the wrong crowd, don’t keep hanging out thinking you are change them! Find new friends that are focused on healthy habits.
I know what temptation has tripped me in the past. Whether it’s human desires or the enemy trying to attack- I can see it coming and take a stand against it! I have control and so will you!
Where is this confidence coming from?
Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
Micah 7:19 “You will again have compassion on us; You will tread out sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
That’s the God we serve!!! If He is willing to forgive and forget everything, why aren’t you?
You can trust God!! Repent and get right with God and He will wash you white as snow- just believe it! And walk in both the authority from Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life and the confidence to leave the trench behind.
Facts are:
#1: I knew that I sucked about being just human before Jesus. I know exactly what things I did and I what things continue to trip me up today. I can make a list. This is the start of my control.
#2: I have given all that to God, I repent when it happens today, and He loves me so much that He died for me back then and He will continue to forgive me today! This is the confidence I walk in!
You can do the same. Take back your control! Choose Jesus and walk in the full inheritance of being a child of the Most High.