“There is a reason your windshield is bigger than your rearview mirror.” I heard this thought provoking comment on the radio while driving this week. As I continued my short journey down Blue Mound Avenue, I glanced in my mirror and wondered how much time I spend looking in the rearview mirror of my life. You see for many years, looking in that rearview mirror was all I was concerned about. I had many hurts, regrets, failures and mess-ups that I wanted so badly to go back and correct.
Thankfully, I don’t look in my rearview mirror as often as I used to. Several years ago I heard a couple words spoken through Pastor Dave that I so badly needed to hear. The words he used are words that I have heard since I was a child; simple words. They are words that are spoken throughout the Bible as a reminder to what Christ did for us when He laid down His life on the cross. Yet knowing and hearing this all my life, I was certain they didn’t apply to me or my sins. After all, how could He forgive me for what I had done?
I don’t recall the exact scripture from that day; though I am sure it had an impact on the wave of emotion and freedom I was experiencing. The only words I really needed to hear that day were, “You are forgiven. Get over it!”
Before hearing those simple words, I carried my sins with me like a backpack loaded down with heavy textbooks. Each morning I would wake up, put on my “confidence,” “success” and “you can’t hurt me with your judgments today” masks. I worked hard every day to prove that I was worthy of being forgiven so one day I would be as good as everyone else. Sure I had asked Jesus to forgive me, but I hadn’t come anywhere close to forgiving myself. I was standing in the way of experiencing God’s love, mercy and forgiveness.
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12
“You are forgiven. Get over it!”
I’ll never forget those words or how I could feel the chains falling free from my arms. I no longer had to look in my rearview mirror and feel the heavy burdens of my past. Jesus took those burdens with Him to the grave and forgot about them. Even I was good enough for Him. Jesus loves me! And He loves you, my friend!
When I glance into that rearview mirror now, there is a sense of rejoicing. As the past fades in the distance, I can’t help but see where my Father in Heaven carried me, helped me grow and undoubtedly was always there journeying right beside me. He has used those times in my life to mold me into who He wants me to be. The windshield really is bigger, wider and clearer as I seek to serve Him as best I can each day. Sure, there will always be the occasional bug splat on that window, but my Father in Heaven is there to turn on the wipers and restore that streak free shine.
Do you carry your burdens around? Did you know that Jesus died for you so you wouldn’t have to carry them with you anymore? Yes, for you. Yes, even that sin. Jesus invites you to release yourself from it today. Toss it at the foot of the cross. Jesus died for you. You are good enough! You are forgiven!
Thank you Jesus, BeckyOssefoort