When I look back at my 24 years, there are plenty of things that I wish I could go back and change. There are mistakes I’ve made that stop me in my tracks. As a disciple, I’ve learned that one of the hardest things I could do was forgive myself.

I decided I wouldn’t let my past rule me. That my mistakes were not going to suffocate the life I was destined to live. I’m not the same Brianna I was a few years ago. I’m not the selfish girl who was driven by vanity and fame. I’m no longer a sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:3).

When I think about overcoming my past, I always think of Lot’s wife. In Genesis 19, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. He sent angels to get Lot and his family out of the city. “As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” (Genesis 19:17)

Lot is specifically instructed to leave and never look back.”But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)

God expects me to go where I am called with no question. To leave everything behind if He instructs. He sent his son to die for my sins that I may inherit eternal life. If God went through all of this trouble to forgive my sins, why would I want to linger on my past and suffer the same consequence as Lot’s wife?

Every scar is a reminder of how far God has taken me. Every mistake I made was needed to be who I am today. No measure of guilt or regret can keep me from the beautiful life God has given me.

If you’re feeling consumed by regrets of your past, just remember what God says.

“For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.'” Isaiah 41:13