The past few days we have been on the road, visiting family in California, and celebrating with family. It has been a great trip being with loved ones. However, coming back to a place where we had our greatest failures is a very difficult task.
We do really well on not dwelling on the past. We prefer not to discuss the hurt or the things that bring up the hurt. We will relive and recount the past as often as we need to in order for us to minister to people, steal power back from the devil, and to glorify God. But, even just being in this place can bring up hurt and pains from the past.
The pain from the past, we seem to think, will always hurt at least a little bit. Even after 4 years of healing and restoration the wounds inflicted still have a sting to them. Not quite as potent as they were when fresh they still have some bite. But, the important thing is that we don't stay in that wounded state.
Because those wounds inflicted are often so deep, it is easy to slip into the pain once again. But, this is what the enemy's plan is. His plan to revisit the past and make it present and relevant again is to cause you to live in the pain and wounds of a past experience. This is why it is so important for us to take every thought captive. This is why we focus on the present and active work of Jesus Christ on and through the cross.
Wounds of the past that have healed are similar to phantom pains that amputees experience. A major surgery took place and a damaged part of their body has been removed. They still feel some of the pain that the removed limb felt. Although the wound is no longer present, the memories of the past wound still come to the surface.
As long as we don't focus on that pain it will subside. It will subside because the healing is complete....because the restoration is done....because Jesus completed His work on the cross, and as we stay submitted to His hand, the work in us will continue to be finished.
Facing the past but moving forward....
Josh and Serena
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