Recently, I watched a replay of a women's basketball match between France and Nigeria during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Initially, it seemed like Nigeria would win, but as the game went on, France gained the lead. I caught myself about to pray for Nigeria’s victory, only to remember that it was a replay—no amount of praying could change the already determined outcome. This reminded me that no matter how much we revisit past events, we cannot change what has already happened. Our actions in the present can only shape the future, not undo the past.
We've all made mistakes or faced situations we wish we could undo. Some people have learned to live with the consequences, while others have found a way to move on and live freely. But many remain trapped, waking up each day with the same wish: "If only I could turn back the hands of time."
This longing can lead to a cycle of regret. The pain of wishing for a different outcome can be overwhelming. Maybe you were late to work, missed a crucial meeting, and lost a high-paying job or a lucrative contract. Each day, you relive the moment and feel the sting of a missed opportunity, especially if no better one has come since.
Or perhaps you’ve lost a pregnancy, a child, a valuable relationship, or a promising career due to carelessness. You may feel stuck, unmotivated, and filled with self-doubt. Every day, the thought crosses your mind: "I wish I could turn back the hands of time."
It's easy to get caught up in wondering what could have been done differently. "If only I had acted this way, things might have turned out better." I understand this pain; we've all experienced it. I, too, have regrets about past actions I wish I could change. But I’ve learned that no matter how much I dwell on the past, it won’t alter my present reality. If I accidentally break an expensive television, no amount of regret will fix it. Instead, I need to focus on what I can do about the situation now. While I can't undo the past, I can work to improve the present.
After addressing the current situation, I can think about how to prevent similar mistakes in the future. Remember this: you cannot change the past, but you can take control of the present and safeguard the future.
One guiding principle I've embraced is this: "Whatever you cannot undo, don't regret; simply move on." If I can't undo adding too much salt to a meal, I adjust and enjoy it. If I can't change losing my virginity or becoming pregnant outside of wedlock, I refuse to dwell in regret. If I miss an important meeting because I was late, I apologize, forgive myself, and move forward with life.
If you can fix something, by all means, do so—like returning something stolen. But living in regret will only rob you of truly experiencing life. You might exist, but you won't fully live. Regret can prevent you from recognizing new opportunities and enjoying life’s blessings.
Most importantly, living in regret keeps you from experiencing the beautiful life that Jesus Christ died to give you. Instead of wishing to turn back time, give your pain and regrets to Jesus. Trust Him with everything, and He will renew your hope, giving you new reasons to live fully and pursue greater things.
"I wish I had spent more time with my family. I wish I hadn't quit my job. I wish I had obeyed God. I wish I hadn’t made that mistake." These wishes belong to the past. Your actions or inactions cannot be undone.
So, live in the present. Address what you can. Correct what is within your power. Prevent future mistakes. And thank God for His mercy—He has kept things from getting worse and has guided you in His grace. Be grateful and live from now on in a way that honors Him. It all starts with accepting Jesus Christ into your life. Do so today, and move forward with a heart set on pleasing God.
Shalom.
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