I’m sure you’ve heard these words before. “Once upon a time…” Many stories, fables and fantasies have started with these very words. “Once upon a time…” So why do these words draw us into their tale? Because of what used to be. How life, the world, times once were. We want to remember and reminisce.

For the most part, this is a look back to better days. When things were perfect. The king and queen ruled a perfect land…until an evil villain showed up to mess things up. A peaceful land was enjoyed by all its subjects…until an enemy army attacked. Light and sunshine and rainbows reigned…until darkness and gloom rolled in. The words “once upon a time” are a reminder of how things were when life was good and perfect and without trouble.

Peter asked his readers to remember how things used to be as well. But the difference was that Peter wanted his readers (that includes you and me) to remember when things weren’t so good. Take a look at his words. “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10 – NIV)

Yep, at one time, once upon a time, we were not God’s people. We chose to live the sinful life. We chose to rebel against God’s precious gifts. We were aliens and strangers to God. We didn’t want to bask in the glorious riches God wanted to give. Nothing. We wanted nothing from God.

But then the Prince of heaven changed everything for us. When we accepted Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, we became the people of God. We received mercy. And what a beautiful life we have in Him.

Now I’m not saying that life is easy-going once we allow King Jesus to sit on the thrones of our hearts. There will be trials and tests and temptations that will try to waltz in and kick King Jesus off that throne. Friends, it is in these moments that we must stand firm. We must remember who we are: God’s people. We must remember what we’ve received: mercy. We must fight the battle to protect our hearts and minds against the evil of this world (Ephesians 6:10-18 provides the perfect battle plan).

But remember, we’re not alone. God’s Holy Spirit is within us to give us all that we need to fight the battle. God is still on His mighty throne and cheering you on through the battle. And Jesus? Well, He knows exactly what you’re going through. He lived through His own trials and tests and temptations and He wants you to finish well. We need this heavenly army surrounding us to fight well.

“Once upon a time…” Maybe it’s good to remember on occasion how things used to be before Jesus showed up in my life, but I think I’ll stick to what Paul had to say about the past. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 – NIV)

Press on child of God’s Kingdom!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna