IF ONLY

“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

-Romans 8:28

Have you ever caught yourself looking back, regretting an unfortunate decision saying, “If only I had not done that?” “If only I had said, No!” If only I had married the other boy.” The possibilities are endless.

Whatever happened did happen, and you have to live with the present. The past, like water poured out into the sand, cannot be changed. The damage is done.

Some individuals have learned two words that make all the difference in the world. These are: And yet! Instead of dwelling on “If only I had not done this,” they have learned to accept the consequences of their actions and I look to a brighter future by saying, “And yet”

For example, Fanny Crosby could have despaired in a world of darkness. Brought on by a doctor whose failure resulted in her blindness. But Fanny Crosby did not waste her time saying, “if only”. Instead, she lived to the age of 95, and wrote over 8,000 beautiful songs which have blessed the hearts of Christian around the world.

A man who lost both legs in an accident says, “And yet I can use my arms and write. I can talk and use my brain. I still have much to be thankful for!”

Are you tempted to dwell on yesterday’s failure, saying, “If only” if you are, learn to immediately add, “And yet” there are things in life that happen which are neither the results of satanic attack of the judgment of the Almighty. When it rains, it rains on the just and the unjust. When the typhoon strikes, it hits the righteous as well as the unrighteous. Believing the God is sovereign, that He can turn any disaster into a victory, causes you to look for the positive results which can come out of a difficult situation.