Putting the
Collateral Damage Behind
Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • 08/05/2024
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18:19)
About 15 years ago was when I first heard the phrase “collateral damage.” I hear of many now using that term so I looked it up. It is “any damage incidental to an activity, or unintended deaths during a military battle, or damage to things that are incidental to the intended target.” I have now incorporated it into my writings on occasion. Glancing back over my life on occasion, (I glance back but don’t live back there) I see where my good intentions have caused collateral damage to others. Even to my children by not attending church. All of us as creations have more than likely done some collateral damage in our lives without meaning to do so. When I received Christ as my Lord and Savior, He put those things behind. When the “blood” was applied Col 1:14 (KJV), I became a new creature. (2 Cor 5:17) From a ‘prideful’ man to a ‘thankful’ man. What a transition! Praising God Daily! I’ve heard it say that “pride is number one on God’s hate parade” and when we read Proverbs 6:16-19, we see where it falls. "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
BUT, we are a saved people. Justified! Heavenbound!
Rescued and washed by the blood of the Lamb!
So the next time that satan reminds you of your past, or damage you've done, remind him of his future. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (Matt 25:41)
Oh what a Savior who not only washed our sins by the shedding of His precious blood on the tree, but who has saved us to the uttermost (Heb 7:25) to be a part of His army (2 Tim 2:4). “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor 5:17)
There’s no time for us to dwell on the past.
Let’s stay busy telling ‘em about our Jesus!
Thank you for “Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
www.iamnotashamed.com • God bless and bless GOD
