I’m on a mission to purge regret from my life.
Trials take place
Looking back, I see a lot of trials and tests have come my way. The human condition guarantees trials will come.
But the question is, will I let the trial mold me into a better person? Or will I let it break me?
Learn the lesson
There is something to be learned from each experience. For example, I once defied my dad, and ended up walking home in the rain holding an umbrella and wearing white heels. (You can read all about it as #6 in my post, Top 10 Life Stories.)
Not a fun experience to be sure.
Ditch the distress
But do I spend the rest of my life beating myself up over that mistake in judgment? The most profitable thing for me to do is to learn a lesson from the mistake, repent of my hard-headedness and then ditch the distressing memories.
I have spent many sleepless nights berating myself over errors in judgment, and it doesn’t change one thing of what happened. If I ask forgiveness for my mess-ups, what more is required? Nothing!
But if we freely admit our sins when his light uncovers them, he will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and he will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 the passion translation
Some trials come not because of any wrongdoing on our own; but because God is allowing this to shape us into a more Christlike character.
Because left on our own, we will not try to live a higher life. We like comfort.
Focus on the future
When trials come, as they assuredly will, we need to know this will not last forever. As children of God, we know there is deliverance coming.
2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! 3 For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance.
James 1:2-3 The Passion Translation
And we do receive a benefit from the trial … endurance! Nothing makes you stronger than hanging in there, being faithful, and completing the journey.
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Today’s post was written in response to the prompt, “trial,” provided by the Five Minute Friday community of writers. We all write for 5 minutes on one word. It’s amazing to see the different direction each writer takes.
In the interest of full disclosure, I wrote for 5 minutes; then took extra time to choose photos, links, headings and scriptures to illustrate my post.
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I’m sharing this post with the communities at Five Minute Friday and Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let’s Have Coffee, Tune In Thursday
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
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