Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:18-19
Have you ever thought about how God might be using you? If not, I would encourage you to take a few moments and think about that. Now, you might say, “There’s no way. You have no idea about where I came from, all that I’ve done, and where my life is, even at this very moment. I’m too broken for God to use me for anything good.”
Friend, if that’s you – you couldn’t be more wrong about that. And here’s why.
The Bible is filled with stories of people with flawed pasts, yet God used them mightily. Look at Peter… he denied even knowing Jesus three times, but he became a bold preacher of the gospel and a leader in the early church. Then there’s Paul, whose own testimony declared that there was no greater enemy of Jesus and all of His followers than he was. Yet God transformed him into the greatest missionary in history, spreading the gospel across the world. And what about the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well? She had a history of looking for love in all the wrong places; married five times and living with man number six. This woman was shunned by her community for her sinful lifestyle, and yet she was forever changed after her encounter with Jesus, becoming a powerful witness to everyone in her community.
These are just a few examples of many more in Scripture. But they all reinforce the fundamental truth that God doesn’t dwell on our past mistakes. We read His words in Isaiah 43:18-19, urging us to let go of what was and to look forward to what He is doing. He’s always at work, creating new opportunities and bringing life to lifeless places. God takes our brokenness and makes a way where there seems to be nothing but a dead end!
You may feel disqualified by your past – your regrets, failures, or shame that’s weighing you down. But that’s not how God sees you. No, He sees you entirely differently. He’s doing a new thing in your life, even now. The question is: Will you trust Him and step into His purpose for you?
Don’t let yesterday’s failures hold you back. Step forward in faith and surrender your life to Jesus. It all starts with a decision to trust Him. Then, let Him lead you into the new thing He has planned for you as you walk with Him faithfully.
Former Blackout Artist 