Philippians 3:13-14 “…. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
The other day Chip and I were talking with a friend who was preparing to move out of state. This would be our last conversation with him, probably this side of heaven. And Chip asked him if all was well with his soul. He thought a few minutes, then replied, “I have a lot of regrets.”
We were well acquainted with his rough past, but for the last twenty years, we had witnessed the power of a changed life through Christ. He had become a new person. I told him when the past started to haunt him to turn it around. Turn the regrets into gratitude. Gratitude that Jesus loves him so much that he didn’t let him stay the way he was.
I imagine we all have regrets. I know I do. When I think of people I’ve hurt in the past, I cringe. Many times I’ve cried out with the psalmist, “may those who hope in you not be ashamed because of me” (Psalm 69:6). (If you are one of those people, I’m so sorry).
Our God is a redeeming God. He does not hold our sins, mistakes and regrets against us. In fact, he often uses them in a transformative way to bring hope to others. Chuck Colson landed in prison for obstruction of justice. But out of that experience a Christian ministry to prisoners that still thrives today was birthed. I have friends who were drug addicts and alcoholics whose lives have been completely changed through Jesus. They’ve become beacons of hope for others suffering through addiction.
Paul’s past provided a lot of street cred as far as the Jewish law was concerned. He prided himself on being a Pharisee, a “Hebrew of Hebrews.” Zeal for his religion provoked him to persecute all who stood in its way. Especially Christians. When he became a believer, he must have come with a boatload of regrets. But he laid it all down. Even the good things he took pride in. Something greater overshadowed his past.
Friend, do you struggle with regrets? Do you know God’s love truly makes all things new? Don’t waste your time focusing on past mistakes. Strain toward the prize!