Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to the things of old. Look I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.     Isaiah 43:18-19 HCSB

The phrase, “What had happened was…” is heard quite often in law enforcement.

The Urban dictionary defines it as a phrase offered at the beginning of a fictitious tale typically offered as an excuse for inappropriate, unprofessional or otherwise suspect behavior.

The Israelites had messed up. God was going to allow them to be taken into captivity for 70 years. There were no excuses. We can’t give God some lame excuse, He knows all. He knows what really happened.

In our Scripture passage, Israel, God’s chosen people had abandoned Him and fallen into idolatry. God sent prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah to warn them of impending captivity should they not change. They didn’t listen. Here Isaiah is prophesying the restoration of Israel and His deliverance of this rebellious nation.

They have rebelled, they will be taken into captivity. In Jeremiah 29 they are told to live in the land where they will be taken captive and to accept their life there by doing all the things they would do in their homeland. They are told they will be restored after 70 years.

Many of us like to quote Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “I know the plans I have for you”-this is the LORD’s declaration-“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Israel will suffer for their rebellion, but if you read the Old Testament, you will see those who remained faithful faired well in captivity.

Mordecai, Esther, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego are just a few who were faithful and did well. They faced some trials and tribulations, but came out victoriously.

Maybe you have no problem with the past. Maybe you never think of it and it never haunts you. I have to admit, however, that at times I find myself thinking, “What if?” What if what happened before happens all over again.

What if the worst case scenario happens? I have found that thinking this way only robs me of my peace and joy in the present time.

I have learned I have to let go of the past and trust God with my present and my future. I have to realize that I suffered during times of rebellion. I have realized since I rededicated myself to the Lord, He works even the things that seem really bad out for my good (Romans 8:28).

If I’m doing what I need to do as far as loving the Lord with all my heart, all my soul and all my mind (Deuteronomy 6:7) and doing what He has called me to do, He’s got me.

Isaiah lets Israel know they will face some hard times, but he also lets them know God will restore them. In verses 1 and 2, he says, “Now this is what the LORD says-the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you Israel-“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by my name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.”

Let go of the past. God’s got you. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become new creatures in Christ, old things are passed away, all things are new (1 Corinthians 5:17).

Don’t focus on what has happened, focus on God and what He can and will do for you. Remember all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Repent of your sin, trust God to forgive you. In Isaiah 43:15 he says, “It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more.”

If God forgets your past, you can too. Let it go and give the future over to Him.

Have a great day!