Upfront August 8, 2011 Issue

‘If only . . . ’

Steve Graham, Managing Editor, Sentinel, Journal, and Herald

Who hasn’t at one time or another agonized over something in the past? “If only it hadn’t happened” is something we’ve all probably said or thought at some point.

But as you’ll read here, whether the regret involves something we’ve said or done, or experienced at the hands of another, present remorse about past events doesn’t have to live on, dictating the way we act and feel today, robbing our peace and hindering our progress. Even when words have been said that can’t be called back, or actions taken that can’t be reversed, there’s still the opportunity to set things right—by redeeming our present understanding of what’s happened, in the light of God’s all-power. Nothing short of this can bring actual healing, end haunting memories, and open up the way forward.

In our first cover story article this week, Tim Myers explains how “painful thoughts of past mistakes can . . . actually lead us back to God.” And he shares his own experiences of praying about career moves he made that looked like they would deprive him of his heart’s desire.

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