Escaping the Power of Your Past

He said to his brothers, "My money has been returned! It's here in my bag." Their hearts sank. Trembling, they turned to one another and said, "What is this that God has done to us?" - Genesis 42:28

Have you ever stopped to consider the power of past sin? Are you aware that there is really only one way to escape it?

Joseph's brothers certainly sinned against him and must have carried the guilt of their heinous acts for many years. I am pretty sure that the instance above was not the first time one of them had asked himself, "What is this that God has done to us?" They probably thought it every time misfortune entered their lives. Past sin can do that (damage your health, your witness, and your relationships), that is to say, haunt a person forever unless you can escape it.

Would you like to? All you need to do is own it and confess it (which means to turn from it), and then you will come to know the forgiveness that is yours in Christ. Of course, the consequences may not be eradicated, but the oppressive guilt will be. Listen, without Christ, forgiveness is impossible, but by His grace you can make restitution, move on, and escape the power of past sin.

The next step is yours.

Fear is the tax that conscience pays to guilt. - George Sewell