Excerpt from the book:
“…you take heart that failure doesn’t define you. Neither does your past.” Mom fingered the silver cross hanging around her neck. “When that truth sinks in, you dust yourself off and get back up again.” ~Maureen McKay, Wishing on Willows
Devotional:
The past is a hard thing to escape, especially when failure is part of it.
I don’t know anyone who likes to mess up. We all want to succeed. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make the people in our life proud. That is a natural desire. The problem comes when we hang our identity on it.
For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, our past—no matter how inglorious or ugly—does not define us. Neither do our failures or our peers or our parents or the expectations placed upon our shoulders.
Yet I find it all too easy to forget this truth. I find it all too easy, in the midst of living life, to forget who I am in Christ. Am I the only one who could use a reminder?
The Bible tells us that we are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), beloved (Col. 3:12), redeemed (Eph. 1:7), the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21), a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9), the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27), God’s children (John 1:12), heirs to the throne (Rom. 8:17), His spotless bride (Rev. 19:7-8), His masterpiece (Eph. 2:10).
How can we be the light of the world or a city set on a hill (Mt. 5:14) if we let shame and guilt hold us captive? Why wear those chains when Jesus already broke them on the cross? When we live as if God has not set us free, we are placing our faith in the Father of Lies instead of the Lord of lords and the King of kings.
If you’re struggling with mess-ups from your past, meditate on David’s prayer. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). Let’s plug our ears when this world attempts to define us and instead believe the only One who can redeem.
Scripture:
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy… ~Psalm 103:2-4
Prayer:
Lord, your benefits are numerous. Give us faith to believe we are who You say we are.
If you’d like to purchase Wishing on Willows, please visit the book page for links to your favorite retailer!
“How can we be the light of the world or a city set on a hill (Mt. 5:14) if we let shame and guilt hold us captive? Why wear those chains when Jesus already broke them on the cross? When we live as if God has not set us free, we are placing our faith in the Father of Lies instead of the Lord of lords and the King of kings.” Such powerful words of truth and freedom, Katie! Thank you for this.