As we continue in the book of Ephesians we are going to get a wonderful understanding of what grace is. But unless we have faith in His grace, there's this kind of regret that leads to despair because you don't think His grace is sufficient to cover your sins. Then there's 'sadness...used by God [which] brings a change of heart...and...no regret.' (2 Corinthians 7:10 GNT) This kind draws you closer and makes you more dependent on Him. 'See what God did with this sadness of yours... Such indignation, such alarm, such feelings, such devotion, such readiness to punish wrongdoing! You have shown yourselves to be without fault...' (2 Corinthians 7:11 GNT) We were in a position in Westport, as the economy closed in I began to regret not buying a less expensive home. If only we'd bought a cheaper house. If only we'd rented. If only we'd stayed in our first house. I can 'If only' myself into depression and stagnation where I'm stuck between regret and forward motion. When my focus is not on the One who provides...I let regret become bigger than God...and following that logic, I believe past choices, an event, a tragedy, a compromise, a mistake - is more powerful than the God who spoke the world into existence...We live in 'if only/what if' moments more than we realize. What happens is we get a sense of hopeless paralysis: we fear the bad choices we made [and] the choices we face. But look at what God's word promises us if we believe and follow Him? If we allow God to pour His grace into the present...our walk will be one where we make a decision and are able to stick with it. Learning to trust Him even if we make mistakes, because God's big enough to turn them around. When regret becomes ungodly sorrow versus godly sorrow, you find yourself submerged in self-pity instead of looking to Him to work things out for the good of "those...He has called according to His purpose."' (Romans 8:28 NKJV) You are loved....
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