Carrying Baggage From The Past

Sometimes, when you least expect it, you find yourself in rare circumstances which reveal that you're still carrying baggage from past hurts and experiences. I have recently found myself in that situation. Now fortunately, I am more experienced, and also blessed with people who care enough about me to be patient and understanding. My eyes and heart are open enough to recognize this baggage is still in my possession.

The question is now, what will I do with it?

As is sometimes my way, I choose this venue to air out life's epiphanies. Maybe I do it more than I should. But maybe you'll grow to understand me a little bit better, or maybe you'll recognize through some of my experiences, patterns in your own life.

2 Timothy 1:7 says this, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." How true is this? Power, love and self-discipline make up the antidote to fear and timidity. I have to admit, there are times when I need to walk more in power, love and self-discipline, rather than carrying around the baggage from past experiences, packed with memories which generate fear.

Lord, tonight as I write this, I willingly and consciously choose to walk in Your power, in Your Love, and the self-disciplined which comes as a supernatural byproduct. Every now and then, I find myself being tested in circumstances. Am I going to allow past hurts and disappointments to threaten today's victories and tomorrow's dreams, or am I going to stand strong and firm upon Your promises?

Tonight, I choose to stand strong and courageous. Give me the boldness to stand against those fears, and leave that cruddy old luggage from the past behind. I know I'll never forget the hurt and pains I've experienced, but I pray that by leaving that baggage behind, the results will be different, and victory will happen now and continue into my bright future.