Dealing with the mistakes and regrets of our past is something that’s on a lot of our minds. We all carry memories of moments we wish we could relive differently—whether it’s relationships that didn’t turn out as we hoped, opportunities we let slip through our fingers, or decisions we look back on with regret. These reflections can weigh heavily on us, often leaving us with a sense of frustration or sadness about what could have been. Sometimes, we even feel that these regrets will always hold us back, but here’s the good news—our past doesn’t have to define our future. With God’s help, we can actually right the wrongs of our pasts and have the future He wants for us.
Everyone has a past, and no one is perfect. Romans 3:23 (NLT) says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” This verse is a reminder that making mistakes and falling short is part of being human. It’s not uncommon to feel burdened by our errors and shortcomings, but if you’re feeling weighed down by your mistakes, remember that you’re not alone. The Bible is full of records of people who made big mistakes and yet found redemption and renewal through God.
The Apostle Paul shared a powerful perspective in Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT):“13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Talk about mistakes—Paul made some doozies. His words in this passage offer not just profound wisdom on dealing with our past mistakes, but the attitude we should have to move beyond them.
Like many of us, Paul’s past was far from perfect; in fact, it was very troubled. Before his dramatic transformation on the road to Damascus, he was known for his fierce opposition to Christians. Driven by a deep-seated hatred for the teachings of Jesus Christ, Paul actively sought to arrest and imprison believers. His journey from being a persecutor to becoming one of Christianity’s most passionate teachers and advocates demonstrates God’s mercy and the redemption and renewal our Heavenly Father freely offers.
Paul’s life illustrates that even the gravest mistakes do not disqualify us from a transformed future. By forgetting what lies behind and pressing on toward a higher calling, we can embrace the potential for a new beginning, much like Paul did. His story is a testament to the fact that no matter where we’ve been, we can always move forward with hope and purpose.
There are very few things that can teach us better than our mistakes, and mistakes are inevitable for all of us. When it comes to these, regret will not lead us to victory, but faith and humility towards God’s will; they guide us through our errors and lead us to growth, repentance, and redemption. 1John 1:9 (ESV) tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” By seeking God and keeping our eyes focused on Him, we place our feet on His path for correcting the wrongs of our past. If we are diligent to seek His forgiveness, to forgive ourselves, and to forgive others, He will handle everything else. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
“Righting the Wrongs of our Past”, written by Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.