by Desiree Bustamante

What if we could erase a heartbreaking event or reverse a foolish choice from our past?

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“You saw me before I was born.
     Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
     before a single day had passed.”
Psalm 136:16 New Living Translation

During a conversation at church, we discussed whether we would go back in time to change some of the decisions we impetuously made in our youth. What if we had a menu to choose from where we could control the past? Imagine the conversation about this with God.

Us: “Well, God, there are some things in my life I wish never would have happened. Going through cancer treatments would be one experience I would like to erase from my past.” God might say: “That was a very difficult time for you. But living through that illness gave you the insight to feel empathy for others also living that experience. I needed you to walk with someone through their cancer journey.”

Us: “Then there was the time I chose to move to another city and follow my dream, but nothing worked out and I wasted several years.”  God: “My child, those years led you to discover what direction I prepared for you to go, and you learned to follow my guidance for your life. I always redeem time you feel was lost.”

Us: “Losing my loved one broke my heart, and it still grieves me deeply. God: Yes, dear child, it was your most difficult season yet, but you discovered that you could truly lean on me and trust me for all your needs, even in sorrow.”

Even in hardship, Jesus refines and empowers us for His purpose. May you refuse to get caught up in your regrets from yesterday, your frustrations today, and your fears about tomorrow. Walk in faith, knowing that every event in your life is in God’s control, and He never changes.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado