Your hurts can form insecurities that are difficult to break away from. Past difficulties can leave an imprint on your self-worth. Because of this, the past can start to dictate your present and determine your future when we allow ourselves to dwell on it. There is an enemy of your soul who would like nothing more than to keep you in the past. And he is trying to rob you of an abundant life. His goal is to distance you from God. He wants to fill your mind with negative thoughts. He might even use your past to try to keep your focus off God’s offer of forgiveness and salvation. Yet, Christ’s victory on the Cross was for you—it was also your victory. You can rely on God’s strength to lead and direct you as you move forward. You cannot change the past, but the future is a blank canvas waiting to be filled. First John 4:4 (NLT) says, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” Put your past behind you and look forward to the plans the Lord has for you.