Stuck in the Past
Have you ever been driving down the road, only to come upon an unexpected roadblock? One moment you're cruising along, making great time, and then suddenly you're stuck—not going anywhere. This frustrating experience happens not just on our highways, but on our journey through life as well.
Just like driving roadblocks, life's obstacles can stop us dead in our tracks. One moment we're cruising through life with everything going great, and then we hit a barrier that leaves us feeling trapped and unable to move forward. For many Christians, this roadblock prevents us from experiencing the abundant life we have in Christ.
The Roadblock That Keeps Us Stuck in the Past
One of the most common roadblocks many of us encounter is our past sins. Satan loves to keep us stuck in the past, using it to convince us that we're defined by our previous mistakes and that they'll always be part of who we are.
Being stuck in the past leaves us drowning in guilt and shame. It defines who we are in the present moment, creating a prison of regret that seems impossible to escape.
We all have a past—some chapter we'd rather forget:
Past addictions to alcohol, pornography, or other destructive behaviors
Legal troubles and arrests
Divorce and broken relationships
Moments of explosive anger
Affairs and betrayals
Gossip and lies we've spread
Being an absentee parent
Whatever is in your past, you're not alone. We all have chapters we wish we could rewrite.
The Destructive Cycle of Being Stuck in the Past
When we're stuck in the past, we experience guilt, remorse, and shame that eats away at us from the inside. This emotional pain drives us to cope in unhealthy ways:
Medicating the pain through various forms of numbing behaviors
Striving for achievements to try to make up for past mistakes
Performing religious duties to feel better about our current choices
But here's the problem: no matter how far down the road of achievement or religion we travel, that roadblock of our past always seems to resurface. We find ourselves running faster and faster, trying to outrun our history before it catches up with us again.
Biblical Freedom: Peter's Story of Being Stuck in the Past
The answer to breaking free from being stuck in the past is found in John 21. This passage shows us Jesus' beautiful approach to helping Peter move beyond his greatest failure.
The Setup: A Familiar Scene
After Jesus' resurrection, Peter and the other disciples went fishing. After catching nothing all night, Jesus appeared on the shore and told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. The result? A miraculous catch that should have immediately reminded them of a similar event years earlier.
But here's what makes this scene so powerful: After fishing, Peter found himself sitting before a fire with Jesus—the similar setting where he had denied Christ three times just weeks before.
Peter's Past Failure
Remember Peter's bold declaration weeks before: "Even if all fall away on account of you, I NEVER WILL!" Yet as Jesus was headed toward the cross, Peter denied knowing Him three times while warming himself by a fire. Luke 22:61 tells us that "the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter," and Peter "went outside and wept bitterly."
Peter immediately felt guilt and shame over his betrayal. There is no doubt that he was still carrying that guilt and shame from his past when he was out fishing that day.
Jesus' Redemptive Response
Now, in John 21, Jesus intentionally recreates that scene. Peter is again sitting before a fire, face-to-face with the one he denied. Jesus asks him three times: "Do you love me?"
And with each affirmation, Jesus gives him a commission: "Feed my lambs... Take care of my sheep... Feed my sheep."
I think Jesus was saying:
“Peter, your past will not be a roadblock that keeps you from the future that I have in store for you in my Kingdom work! So, let’s move past the guilt. Let’s move past the shame. I’ve taken it to the cross. I’ve risen from the grave and defeated the power of sin and death. And now I’m on a mission to seek and save the lost, and I’m going to use you on this journey despite your past!”
Four Keys to No Longer Being Stuck in the Past
1. Know That You Are Completely Forgiven
Hebrews 10:11-14 reveals the power of Christ's sacrifice:
"Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God... For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified."
Unlike Old Testament sacrifices that only covered sins temporarily, Jesus made a "one time sacrifice for ALL sins." The work is finished—Jesus sat down because it's complete. All the sins of your past are included in "all sins of all time."
2. Understand Your True Identity in Christ
Satan wants you to believe you're defined by what you've done. He keeps you focused on that time you exploded in anger, got arrested, had an affair, or betrayed someone's trust.
But Jesus wants you to know that you are defined by who you are in Him. In Christ, you are:
Holy (Col. 1:22)
Righteous (2 Cor. 5:21)
Loved (Col. 3:12)
Accepted (Ro. 15:7)
Completely forgiven (Col. 2:13-14)
3. Trust That Jesus Has a New Future for You
Just like Peter, God has kingdom work ahead for you. Your past mistakes don't disqualify you from God's purposes—they become part of your testimony of His grace.
Step into where Jesus is leading you in His kingdom work and purposes in this world.
4. Recognize Satan's Lies and Renew Your Mind
Even when you understand these truths, Satan will continue trying to keep you stuck in the past. He'll whisper lies that you're not really forgiven, not truly holy, and that you have no future because of your past.
Every time you feel stuck in the past, renew your mind with God's truth. The truth will set you free!"
Breaking Free from Being Stuck in the Past
Your past doesn't have to be a permanent roadblock. Through Christ's sacrifice, you have complete forgiveness, a new identity, and a bright future. When shame and guilt try to trap you in yesterday's failures, remember Peter's story.
Jesus took Peter back to the scene of his greatest failure not to shame him, but to free him. In the same way, God can transform your greatest regrets into your most powerful testimonies of His grace.
Don't let Satan keep you stuck in the past. Step into the freedom and future that Jesus has purchased for you through His sacrifice on the cross. Your best days aren't behind you—they're ahead of you in Christ.
