Life is full of regrets, most of which have to do with things that we did or did not do; and regret stifles us in our walk with the Lord. As I was working through Ephesians 1:3-14 for a sermon earlier this month, the Lord showed me that as a Christian I need have no regrets. I can learn from my past, but I can walk forward without letting what has happened weigh me down. But how is that even possible?

First, we need to understand that the blood of Jesus has covered any actions that I have done that are against him. These sins, trespasses and errors have been forgiven (Ps. 103:11-12; Mic. 7:19). No more regret about what has been done. I am redeemed, righteous in His sight, no longer under judgment, because I belong to Him (Jn. 5:25; Rom. 3:21-24; 8:1-2). So, when the Devil brings up these old sins (as he does to me now and again), I can stand up and say, “I have been forgiven. I do not need to dwell on this anymore.” For the Devil loves for us to waste our energy on extraneous things.

Second, if we understand the principle of the resurrection, we will know that any good thing we have missed on this earth will be redeemed in eternity. Good here is defined as actions and attitudes in line with God’s revealed will for us humans. So, if I miss getting married, no problem. That will be redeemed. If I don’t get to preach or lead singing or serve in mercy ministry or travel elsewhere to spread the Gospel, that is not an issue, because this will be redeemed. I do need to be faithfully living for Christ, though, in the sphere where He has put me. Thus, I can rest in the assurance that I will not lack any good thing and that is a comfort in these trying times.