I remember as if it were yesterday. I’m looking out the window of my house in Ohio. Praying, but not really, because I had already made up my mind what I was going to do. And now, as I think back, I can only ask myself the painful, yet rhetorical question: Was it worth it?
This was fifteen years ago, but very bad decisions have a way of lingering. To know the right thing to do and not do it is never wise – and never worth it. It’s also a sin (James 4:17).
One of the most dangerous things a person can do is ignore the leading or conviction of the Holy Spirit. This hardens the heart and dulls the conscience – making it that much easier to dismiss and ignore Him next time around.
If I had it to do all over again, I believe I would have made a different decision standing there looking out that window. Too late for that now, but it’s not too late to learn – and move on. When faced with the consequences of a bad decision, what can we do?
- We can make it the LAST time we make that particular mistake. When the residual taste in our mouths is bad enough, we won’t go back.
- We can establish boundaries and parameters that make it easier for us to make better decisions in the future.
- We can share our story. Believe it or not, this can help take some of the sting away. Secrets are the perfect breeding ground for shame. There is freedom in sharing with someone we trust.
- We can forgive ourselves or, better stated, “let it go.” This can be hardest of all.
- We can pray for and receive forgiveness and wisdom from God as we move forward.
One of the great things about God is that He can take huge mistakes and use them for our growth and for His glory. Romans 8:28 is frequently quoted for a reason. We need that kind of hope – especially when dealing with the aftertaste of bad decisions.
Perhaps you find yourself trying to recover from the negative impact of one or more of your own decisions. Let me know if I can help.
