Our past shapes us, but it doesn’t have to define us. It can be a powerful teacher if we let it. However, breaking the power of your past isn’t easy. Allow me to share five key lessons from Chapter 3 of Persevering Power, “Understand the Past,” that will encourage you to embrace your past while focusing on creating a brighter future.
1. Breaking the Power of Your Past: Learn from the Past, Don’t Live in It
As I wrote in Persevering Power, “The past should be our teacher not our master. We are students not slaves.” This reminds us that while our past experiences shape us, they don’t determine our future. We can use the lessons learned to propel ourselves forward. Just as the apostle Paul transformed his persecuting past into a mission to advance God’s Kingdom, we too can look forward and make a positive impact.
Allow me to introduce you to Sarah McLeary and Harvest Community Church. She is the justice champion at the church’s legal ministry and introduces Chapter 3. Like all of us, Sarah has faced challenges. She says, “Don’t let the past tell you who you are.” Pull up a chair and listen to what she has to say.
2. Focus on the Future
My mentor was John Robb. Do you have a mentor? Someone older you can learn from? I hope so. If not, find one. God gave John a vision of 1,000 church-based legal ministries transforming lives when he was in his 80s. He tired of people in his peer group who lived backward. He still dreamed of a better future and how God might use him to make that future possible. John passed that vision on to Administer Justice, and we just passed our first 100 locations as we advance that future vision of 1,000 gospel justice centers transforming lives in the name of Christ.
Whether young or old, it’s crucial to live forward, not backward. Celebrating past achievements is fine, but our true potential lies in the future.
3. Overcome Past Scars with Patience and Trust
Many of us carry scars from past traumas. Persevering Power acknowledges this pain and offers hope: “If you have experienced this trauma you can also experience healing but it takes trust and time.” Surround yourself with loving people, seek professional help if needed, and remember that healing is a journey.
4. Make a Difference Today
I highlight throughout Persevering Power the incredible impact of gospel justice in breaking the chains of the past. I encourage you to read those stories, join friends to talk through questions from the chapter, or listen in on the podcast Restore Justice which shares additional stories and encouragement.
A couple weeks ago a woman walked into a legal clinic overwhelmed. Law is frightening and confusing. But the team welcomed her, offered her coffee, and put her at ease as she waited. After meeting with the lawyer and client advocate, she was so relieved. As she wrote, “Everyone was warm and welcoming. In the past dealing with anything legal was never a pleasant experience. Today the team made sure I was welcomed and unafraid.”
“That is the power of gospel justice that helps break chains from the past that bind people in the present.” By taking action today, we can create legacies that uplift and support others.
5. Understand the Difference Between Lineage and Legacy
We can’t choose our lineage, but we can shape our legacy. Your lineage is where you come from. Your legacy is where you are going. As I write, “You have no control over your lineage but have complete control over your legacy.” Focus on what you can do now to build a future filled with purpose and positive impact.
Reflecting on our past can provide valuable insights and lessons. By learning from our experiences, focusing on the future, overcoming past traumas, making a difference today, and shaping our legacy, we can create a life that not only honors our past but also looks forward with hope and purpose. Embrace the power of the past and let it guide you to a brighter future.
