Savage2Saint Sobriety May 22, 2025

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT).

What if I hadn't made the mistakes I did throughout my life? What if I had done this or that differently? What if my life had turned out differently? I think all of us have asked ourselves these questions at some point in our lives. In fact, I think it's safe to say that a lot of us beat ourselves up with regret, guilt, and shame way too much by asking ourselves these questions.

But what if we spent more time focusing on the present and less time worrying about a past we can't change? Jesus promises to redeem and restore us from our pasts, not change what's already done. What if we started thanking and praising Him for the decisions that led us to the foot of the Cross? What if our story can make a difference in one person's life? What if our broken pasts are the very thing Jesus needs us to show others, so they can experience the life changing power that comes from a relationship with Him? What if the example we set moving forward is what gives our prodigals the hope that change is possible for them, as well?

As we read in Jeremiah 29:11, God wants His children to have a good future. God wants you to be excited about what's ahead. Instead of asking what ifs about your past, start asking yourself: What if I started giving Him praise for where He's brought me from and what He's about to do in my life? You never know, the next praise you shout may be the key that unlocks everything you've been hoping for. Your future is in the next step you take, not the missteps you've already taken. God bless!