We all know the verse. Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (NKJV). No matter how many times you've heard this verse, the meaning still carries relevance. We have all made mistakes. We have all sinned. The question is, how do you move on from those mistakes which seem to alter your life? Guilt and regret are powerful emotions. Ones that could eat us up from the inside if we let them. But, how will you use those emotions? To help you go down a different road or to prohibit you from moving forward in God's grace?
I've made some tremendous mistakes. Embarrassing mistakes. And I know that I am not alone in this. But with all the mistakes that I've made, I have somehow managed to learn how to move forward. This learning process took place by taking into account the advice of older and wiser individuals and through the knowledge gained by sitting in a counselor's office. So here's some thoughts from a 20 year old girl who continues to mess up, someone who continues to fall short, but also someone who knows that God's grace is available to those who choose to take hold of it.
Your starting point is coming to terms with the mistake. In other words...
- Have you recognized the fault in the sin? I'm sure you have or you wouldn't be calling it a mistake.
- Have you asked for forgiveness? I hope the answer is yes. The most important step in moving forward is to confess your sin to God and ask forgiveness for it. There is no true healing without honesty and vulnerability.
- Accept that there is no changing the past, which leads to knowing that you don't have to keep reliving it. There is no use in steeping in shame and guilt when:
- You have already come to terms with the sin and mistake you've made.
- God grants forgiveness.
This last part is what is most telling of what is in one's heart. The turning point. What will you do with your life now that you've accepted what cannot be changed? Now that you've hopefully forgiven yourself for what is in the past, how do you take a turn for the better?
- Start by making an effort to turn away from what is keeping you shackled to that mistake. Whether that be specific environments, friends/relationships, or reminders you find through social media.
- Get involved in your church group. Reach out to someone and let them know you need accountability and let them know that you want to make a difference in your life. You don't have to share all of your feelings and struggles right off the bat if you don't want to, but just know that there is usually someone who will listen if you do decide to do that.
- Choose to rid your life of the things that pull you back into a pattern of sin. If that means you have to cut out social media, end a toxic relationship/friendship, or rely on someone to help you choose Christ over the world...then do it.
Here's the thing. Coming to terms with your human nature, with your brokenness...is difficult. But once you understand that God already knows you in your entirety...and still offers grace and forgiveness, you can live freely in Christ's sacrifice. Don't let your mistakes determine what path you follow. Instead, determine the path you follow because of your mistakes. Either become a prisoner to your guilt and shame...or learn from it. It's up to you.
Giving the past power over you keeps you from fulfilling your purpose. I believe God has a plan for those who choose to follow His will. So, stop empowering your past and start investing in your future.
Here are some verses to help you in your race:
- 1 John 1:9
- Psalm 86:5
- Colossians 3:13
- Isaiah 43:25
- Acts 3:19
- Isaiah 1:18
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Ephesians 1:7
- Hebrews 10:17
- Daniel 9:9
- Psalm 103:12
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