The world is full of people who live their lives wondering what might have been, what could have been, or what should have been had they only made different choices all those years ago.
Too often when a person is young, they lack the wisdom to make the hard choices that can benefit their future. Many times the young make choices based on the feelings of the moment, or are forced into choices because of peer pressure or parents. Little do they know that decades later they will relive those moments of choice and wonder what could have been, what would have been, what should have been.
The Word of God tells us that we are not to look back, but to stay focused on what lies ahead. Athletes are trained to not look back, but to keep their eyes on the finish line. Why? Because looking back will slow you down and cause you to focus on where you’ve been instead of where you are going.
Sometimes the past actually does contain unresolved issues. The knowledge of broken lives and broken hearts, as a result of your bad decisions, can sometimes become overwhelming and the temptation to go back in time can be very strong. But almost always it results in even more broken hearts and the pain is multiplied.
So the answer is actually quite simple. We must somehow resolve the regret and get rid of the guilt. But you can’t do this on your own. You need a strength beyond what is natural and that strength only comes from the power contained in the grace of God.
First, you must make the hard decision to not go back. You must recognize that things wouldn’t be the same because the years have changed circumstances and the people involved. Secondly, you must come to the realization that you are not a teenager anymore, and make-up or motorcycles will not change that.
Now don’t take me wrong. I am not saying that you can’t have old friends and that you can’t resolve old issues. You can. But resolution involves love and forgiveness. Regret involves guilt and pain.
God’s plan is simple. Forgive yourself, walk in love, and press forward for the good things that God has ahead for you.
Some people have lived with regret for so many years that it has become a part of them. Their personalities have developed and been shaped by the haunting memories of the past. But, as you look forward toward the freshness that God has for you and you understand the concept that God saves the best for last, then peace will come into your life and regret will be gone – at last.
“I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:12-14)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.