A Case of the “If Onlys”

Have you ever had a case of the “if onlys”?  You know what I mean? – if only I had done this or that, or not done this or that… if only I had gone here or said
that, or…

“If only…”  Just two little words, but their power to destroy and discourage is phenomenal.  Anyone who has ever made a mistake is susceptible, and if we’re not careful they will destroy us.

During this time of year, we have to be particularly careful about contracting the “If onlys.”  They seem to be especially epidemic at Christmas time and the New Year when we think more about where we’ve been and where we’re going.  In fact, more people get depressed and even suicidal over the holidays than at any other time – and I suspect the “If onlys” are largely to blame.

It’s so easy to get down and give up when you start thinking about all your failures.  So what’s the answer for the “If onlys”?  Paul gives us the cure in Philippians 3:12-14:

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect… but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

The only solution for the “If onlys” is to commit our mistakes and failures to Jesus Christ, and then FORGET THEM!  Instead of using our mental and emotional energy replaying the past, we need to use all of our strength to reach for the future and press to claim all that God has for us.

Forget the past.  It’s dead and gone.  And live today in the mercy, love, and power of Jesus Christ. Whatever you may or may not have done yesterday is under His blood, and only what you do today for Him counts.

Do you have the “If onlys” today? Do you feel discouraged about your failures? Friend, turn to Jesus. Give Him your past and let Him give you a bright, new future. If you never have before, ask Him to come into your heart and be Lord of your life. Begin to claim His blessings for your life.

Please take a minute to write to this ministry so we can pray for you.  We’re interested in you, in your needs, and in your hurts. We care about how you feel, and we want to know how we can minister to you better.

There’s hope for the “If onlys” in Jesus Christ!