Article March 7, 2016 Issue

Redeemed from wrong decisions

Marilyn Wickstrom

Making sound decisions in the face of fear, threats, or pressure isn’t always easy. When it comes to having peas or corn for dinner, the choice is not critical or life-altering and can be easily changed without concern. But when the decision could affect the rest of your life or the lives of others, things can feel complicated.

What if, despite our earnest prayers, we end up making what seems to be a wrong decision? What do we do if we mistakenly yield to intimidation or the prevailing influence of others? And how do we live with the consequences? Entertaining pangs of failure and self-condemnation would delay the redemption, progress, and growth needed to bring true healing.

We can’t undo the mistakes we’ve made, but we can learn lessons from them. We must first learn what we did wrong and why, so the mistake won’t be repeated. But we must also turn to God and acknowledge that He is unfailing good, and that we are actually His spiritual and perfect reflection, not mistake-making mortals. This helps loosen the grasp of regret and frees us to move on in the right direction.

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