Adapted from a radio spot by Bryant Wright

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17

If you are like my wife and me, you probably watched at least some of the 2024 Summer Olympics, broadcast from Paris. 

There is nothing quite like rooting for your fellow countrymen and women as they compete in various sports. I love watching a comeback, the underdog. It is encouraging to also see comradery and unity among athletes from different countries. But one of the most difficult parts of watching the Olympics is a disqualification. An athlete has prepared for years for the chance to represent his or her country, only to lose due to a rule infraction. 

One example from the Paris Olympics was Great Britain swimmer Luke Greenback. Despite winning medals previously, Greenback was disqualified after finishing first in his heat for the 200-meter backstroke. I don’t know a lot about swimming, but essentially Greenback stayed fully submerged in water further than the allotted 15 meters. After seeing his disqualification Greenback fell to his knees in disappointment. While I never was an Olympic athlete, I can imagine the disappointment and regret that must be felt after such a mistake. It will probably take quite some time to forget that loss.

We all have disappointments and regrets from our past, things that are hard to shake. Things that keep us up at night. As you look back over the years you probably have experienced a mixture of joys…and struggles. There have been mountaintops. Valleys. And everything in between.

If you are like me, I bet there are also parts of your past you’re not proud of. Memories that fill you with shame and regret. Choices you made that…if you could…you’d take back in an instant. Maybe it is a failed marriage, or mistakes you made as a parent or grandparent. Maybe you prioritized money and career over God. Maybe you have struggled with overindulgence of alcohol or other substances.

The reality is no matter how hard you try, you can’t change your past. Unlike the athlete, we don’t get a second try. But can I tell you some good news? Through faith in Jesus, your past does not have to define you. You can become a brand-new person, a new creation from the inside out.  Sure, the past will still be there, but because of Jesus, you’ll also have a brand-new future. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us again, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 

And while in the moment it might be difficult to comprehend, God can even use your past to help others see hope in Jesus. He uses your life story, both the good and the bad, to show that God changes lives. 

Don’t live in the past, let God define your future. 

You are a new creation!

DIG DEEPER
Read “No Matter What is in Your Past” also by Bryant Wright