Ephesians 2:2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. (NLT)

Do remember who you used to be?

Are there times when you forget who you were before salvation? Don’t allow the enemy to take away your testimony. Your heavenly Father has forgiven you. Your sins are in the sea of forgetfulness. God promised to remember them no more. Those are all reasons to celebrate. Your celebration is your testimony. If the devil has his way, you won’t tell it. You will conveniently leave out the ugly parts of your past. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! 9 So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving. (TPT)

You don’t want to “act like” you did not need to be saved. Be careful that when you place your past in the sea of forgetfulness, you don’t forget what God did for you. If you do, you won’t have grace for those who are doing things you have forgotten you used to do. 

Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done; I ponder the work of Your hands. (AMP)

Without the memory of what God did for you, you will evaluate the actions of others, continually finding fault. As you observe friends, children, coworkers, etc., make sure you don’t give in to judgment. Read the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35 below).You don’t remember your past to be tormented by it. You remember your past to show mercy to others through your testimony.

Psalm 145:6-8 We confess—there is nothing greater than You, God, nothing mightier than Your awesome works. I will tell of Your greatness as long as I have breath. 7 The news of Your rich goodness is no secret — Your people love to recall it and sing songs of joy to celebrate Your righteousness. (TVT)

When you reflect on what God did for you, you give Him glory for who you are now. When you meet someone who is in the same place where you used to be, you understand everything he/she is going through. You can use where you were and what God did for you to speak life into the situation. Your transformation provides the foundation for the hope of your future. It also provides hope for anyone who hears your testimony. 

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. (AMP)

You have no testimony without tests. Remember what God did for you; He can and will do the same for others.

Please agree with me as I pray. Then ask the Lord what your prayer should be and wait for His response:

Dear Father God, I admit for every time I have been judgmental of the flaws and the stumbles in the lives of those around me. I remember I repented when You convicted me. Even as I think of it, I repent again right now. I am grateful for Your saving power. I am thankful for Your ability to deliver. I stand as a testimony to the miracle work You have done and continue to do in me, as I submit myself to You. Help me tell my story. Someone else can experience the transformation and joy You provide; please use me, I believe that is Your desire.

Ask the lord what he wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal it here:   

Matthew 18:23-34 (NKJV)
23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.”