Does a particular regret continue to taunt you? Certain disappointments can replay through my mind. Recently, a regret slipped in as fear, dread, and self-reprobation. Do you have decisions you wish you could do over?
I know Jesus paid for my sins, but sometimes I’ve felt I must pay for my mistakes. While there are consequences to our actions, I love how the stories of biblical heroes and heroines showcase a God who is bigger than our sins and mistakes.
- If the father in Luke 15 could reinstate his prodigal son with a party after he’d intentionally squandered his inheritance and indulged in immoral behavior won’t my Father work mistakes done in ignorance together for our good and His glory?
. - Since Jesus erases our sins, can’t we trust Him to redeem our mistakes? God declares, “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again” (Isaiah 43:25 NLT).
Obsessing over our mistakes creates a barrier in our closeness with God. It shows lack of faith in His promises.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28 NLT).”
Everything includes my sins and errors in judgment.
If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us…. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8: 31-34, 37 NLT).
Since God will never think of our sins again, should we? Since He doesn’t condemn us, dare we entertain accusations against His chosen child?
If Jesus can erase my sins, I can trust Him to redeem my mistakes. Share on XThoughts that call you stupid and beyond repair aren’t from the Lord. Your situation is not hopeless. You are a super-conqueror through Christ.
Regret sent the prodigal son back into the outstretched arms of his father. May it do the same for us.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord Jesus for working all my bad choices, those done in ignorance and intentionally, together for my good. I can’t undo my past, but I bring You the concerns they’ve caused. Name them.
Grant me the grace to discipline my mind and ponder Your promises. By Your grace I choose to trust You with my past, present, and future. Amen.
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Question: Which of God’s promises are you claiming by faith? Click here to comment.
Blessings,
Resources
Give Yourself a Break shows you how to find relief from regret and guilt.
Learn how to differentiate between real guilt and false guilt, correction and condemnation.
Discover a High Priest who empathizes with our weaknesses and prays for us instead of criticizing and condemning us.
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“Since Jesus erases our sins, can’t we trust Him to redeem our mistakes?” Thank God He does because He does this for me almost on a daily basis for which I am eternally grateful.
For me too, Ann. I think regrets that are linked to wounds seem to be harder to release. At least they have been for me. But He is greater than that too.
Yes He is!!!
I’m claiming Isaiah 43:25. Amen!
Tammi, isn’t that a precious promise! What a Savior!
I loved being reminded of the idea that it is for HIS own sake that He blots out our transgressions – THANK YOU! <3
That thought struck me profoundly a year or so ago, and I really let it soak in at that time: We HAVE to be (- there's no other option – ) FULLY clothed in righteousness – not a drop of sin remaining – so we can be WITH HIM – -which is what HE DESIRE MOST!!! He doesn't do it for "our own sakes" – -but for HIS OWN SAKE – so HE can cuddle with us!
Yes! Thanks, Fuller.
I hold tightly to 1 John 1:9–praise God that he forgives my sins and cleanses me from ALL unrighteousness! Your words were much needed today, Debbie–thank you!
Christin, isn’t that a wonderful promise! Thanks so much for adding that. I love that word “ALL.”
Such good and important reminders. How I wish I had read more things like that at a season of my life where I seemed to be haunted by condemnation despite what I read in the Bible. Your words are life-giving and so used by the Lord in the lives of so many!
Pam, isn’t it the truth, we learn as we go. Thanks for your encouragement! Still learning. 🙂