The Feeling of Absence
Many Christians experience a profound sense of absence or loss in their spiritual journey. This feeling often stems from a deep inner conviction that past mistakes or missed opportunities have set their present and future on a difficult course. Compounded by the deceitfulness of the human heart and the weakness of the flesh, this sense of regret can hinder spiritual growth and lead to despair. However, the resurrection of Jesus Christ offers a powerful antidote to such feelings. By embracing His resurrection, believers can move past their regrets and step into the newness of life promised by God.
What Is the Absence?
The absence many Christians feel is rooted in regret—the regret of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. How often do we find ourselves lamenting, “If only I had done things differently, my life would have been better”? This regret can feel overwhelming, making us believe that our present circumstances are a direct consequence of our past failures.
Scripture reminds us of the deceptive nature of our hearts:
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
Our fleshly nature feeds these feelings of regret, whispering lies that we are irreparably broken or that our best days are behind us. These lies can cloud our understanding of the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection.
The Resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. It is the ultimate declaration that death and failure do not have the final say. When Jesus rose from the grave, He completed the work of redemption. Through His resurrection, all things are made new for those who believe in Him.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we are not just saved from our sins; we are also given a new identity and a new purpose. The resurrection signifies that everything—even our past—is redeemed and brought under God’s sovereign plan.
Letting Go of Regret
One of the greatest barriers to experiencing the fullness of life in Christ is our inability to let go of regret. Regret can act as a chain, binding us to our past and preventing us from moving forward. Yet God calls us to release these burdens and trust in His divine plan.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
I once wrestled with deep regret over missed opportunities. I believed that had I worked harder or made better choices, my life would have turned out differently. But when I surrendered my life to the Lord, He revealed His perfect plan for me—a plan far greater than anything I could have imagined.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Overcoming Regret and Embracing the New
God’s transformative power enables us to overcome regret. Through faith, we can stop mourning over missed opportunities and start preparing for the new things He has in store. This requires a shift in perspective: instead of focusing on what we have lost, we must focus on what God is doing and will do in our lives.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When I let go of my regrets, I discovered that God had already set a better path before me. He replaced my sorrow with hope and my disappointment with purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Preparing for God’s Plan
Preparation is an essential part of stepping into God’s plan. However, this preparation is not about striving or proving ourselves worthy. Our preparation is rooted in trusting God and His promises.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Trusting God means relinquishing control and acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. Even when our path seems uncertain or our progress slow, we can rest in the assurance that God is working behind the scenes.
Trusting in God’s Sovereignty
Trusting in God’s sovereignty requires faith in His timing and His plan. Our human nature often tempts us to take matters into our own hands or to give up when things don’t go as planned. But Scripture reminds us to be still and trust in the Lord:
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
God’s sovereignty assures us that nothing in our lives is wasted. Even our past mistakes and missed opportunities are part of His redemptive plan.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and he delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)
Moving Forward with Faith
As we move forward in faith, we can trust that God’s plan is perfect. He will guide us to the opportunities He has prepared for us and make everything beautiful in its time.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
God’s promise is clear: when we trust Him and walk in faith, He will lead us into a future filled with hope and purpose. By letting go of regret and embracing His plan, we can experience the fullness of life that He offers.
Conclusion
Though you may feel the pain of past mistakes or missed opportunities, remember that God’s mercy and sovereignty are greater than your regrets. He has promised to bring better things into your life and to place them before your path. Let go of your regrets, trust in His plan, and prepare for the new opportunities He has in store. Your preparation is simply trusting God. Your qualification is trusting God.
Stop dwelling on what could have been and start preparing for what will be. As you embrace God’s plan, you will find that He has already laid before you the best of the best, the nicest of the nicest. Trust Him, and He will lead you into a future filled with His goodness and grace.