Three Ways You Can Learn From Your Past

If you struggle with getting over your past, you’re not alone.

A lot of us struggle with our past--the choices we made, the chances we didn’t take, the things we wish we could redo. Because of this, it’s easy to think that we’re bad people because of the past or that our poor choices define us.

While we may all experience some regret over the past now and then, living in a constant state of shame, regret, and guilt is not healthy. When we remain in this negative headspace, it begins to affect our lives and how we perceive ourselves. Our past doesn’t just become a part of our stories; it becomes the only story.

Today, if you feel like you can’t move forward, we want to offer a perspective to change the way you view the past. Instead of thinking of your past as a list of mistakes that keep you stuck, think of your past as a blueprint for growth.

Take a moment to think about these three areas and what you can learn from them:

Mistakes.

Did you mess up? We did, too! No one is perfect; mistakes are a part of life. There is no mistake too big for God to fix. It may require time, consequences, forgiveness, or reconciliation. Still, know that you can learn from your mistakes, and the next time you’re faced with the same opposition, you can choose differently than you did in the past.

Decisions.

Did you make a wrong decision? Same here! Sometimes, we don’t know what to choose, and sometimes, the only way to learn what the right choice could be is to make a decision and see how it works out. Don’t beat yourself up over wrong choices. If necessary, repent, and then move forward. The next time you’re faced with the same decision, you’ll have wisdom from the previous decision to help you choose correctly.

Chances.

Did you allow fear or worry to keep you from taking a chance? It’s okay. If you missed an opportunity in the past, take heart. As believers, we know that God will get us to where we need to go as long as we’re following Him. There are different routes to get to the destination. If you missed an opportunity in the past, look forward with expectation and do everything you can to be ready for the next open door!

Instead of allowing your past to define you, let your past direct you to a better life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that if we are in Christ, we are new creations--the old is gone, and the new has come! Let go of the past, and use what you learned to create a better future.