April 2, 2016

My Past His Plan

I admit that my past as an adult isn't admirable, but it is mine. I am not proud of my past as an adult, and by no means do I miss it, but I am thankful for it. I have learned to be thankful for it, because, it is what led me to God. I made so many mistakes and bad choices, and the guilt laid on my shoulders for many years. Even after I came to know Jesus. But the more I walk with Him, talk with Him, and study God's word, I am learning to forget the past, to let Jesus wash it all away, and look forward to the future and what lies ahead. 


The part of my past that I do miss is my childhood, and my dad! Even though I was not raised in a Christian home, I was very loved, protected, and cared for by my dad. My dad would have turned 79 years old on January 7, 2016, and on July 15, 2016, it will be 38 years since he passed away. That is almost as long as his time on earth. He was 41 years, 6 months, and 8 days old when he passed away from a brain aneurysm. My dad was amazing! He loved us unconditionally, with his whole heart! He taught me that same kind of love, and he taught me to love and protect my own. I was just 15 years old when he passed away, and I can honestly say that there have been very few, if any, days that I haven't thought about him at some point during the day. I miss him terribly, still. So many times I think about him, and wonder, "why my dad, God?" And I admit, at times, I still feel cheated. But I have a peace in my heart, because my dad accepted Jesus before he passed away. And then I remind myself that there is no more pain, and no more sorrow in Heaven, only joy! I know that God has a time for each of us, and my dad's time on earth was complete. He served his purpose, and God needed him at home, in Heaven. On the days that I really miss my dad, I find comfort in this verse. 

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8

I done a Bible Study last year called Your Life Still Counts, by Tracie Miles. This study was what taught me to finally be able to accept my past, to let go of the burdens of guilt and shame, and to know without a doubt in my heart, that God uses my past for His purpose, and He will guide me to a beautiful future if I let Him. I am certainly willing to let Him! 


It is my heart's desire to use my past to help other women who may be struggling with the same things that I once did. I want to show them the Hope and Love that is found in Jesus. I want to guide them to the One who can take their past and turn it into a beautiful future! I want to share with them all of the blessings that God has placed in my life! Me, the one who thought God could never love me because of my past! 


See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

Linking up with Karen Beth at Finding the Grace Within/Tuesday at Ten 
The prompt this week is PAST!





8 comments:

  1. Thank you for your constant support, and sweet words,my friend! ❤

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  2. Rachelle, this is a beautiful post. My dad died suddenly in a car accident when he was 46. I know that feeling of being short changed. My boys barely remember him and my girls never got to meet him. He was such a people loving, always helping out kind of guy. What I'm grateful for is that his death drew me closer to God in a way that I had never experienced before. It was a moment of total surrender. I knew I couldn't do it without him. I love your prayer and your blog is beautiful! I look forward to reading more!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words! Yes, it is still hard, even after all of these years. I only wish I would have drawn close to God instead of pulling further away from Him. But, He finally got my attention, and I am so grateful for all the years that He carried me when I had no clue. He is an awesome God!

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  3. awww this touches my heart so much as we both lost our earthly dads at such a young age. Mine too became a Christian just two weeks before he died so I am very thankful for that, and I do have a wonderful step dad so I am truly blessed. Thank you for sharing a part of your heart with us. God bless you my sister. Love you lots...Shannan

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    1. Thank you my beautiful friend! You are always so encouraging. Isn't it just great that we can have the blessed assurance that our earthly dads are in heaven? I wonder if they are best friends? Lol! :) Love you my sweet sister!

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  4. I love that you describe your dad with the traits of our Heavenly Father.....unconditional love, with His whole heart! This is beautiful Rachelle and I know it will touch many women as it did me.

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    1. Thank You Cindy! Yes, I never really thought about him having the traits of our Heavenly Father. I guess his love came so easily, I never thought of it that way! Thank you! :) <3

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