In life, we often long for do-overs. But for many, the greater desire is for undo-overs. David surely would have welcomed an undo-over with Bathsheba. Samson would have cried out for one when he woke to find his hair cut and his strength gone. Abraham likely wished for an undo-over when he realized the consequences of conceiving a child with Hagar. And Peter, no doubt, would have pleaded for an undo-over when his eyes met Christ’s, and he realized he had denied Him three times.
I don’t know about you, but I can think of moments I wish I could undo. Yet, the reality is, I cannot. One of life’s great tragedies is that many people allow a mistake or terrible sin to destroy them entirely. God, however, does not throw people away. While we cannot undo sin, we can choose to live purposefully in its aftermath. In fact, we must. Let me share with you a few lessons I have learned about facing the things I cannot undo.
1. Confess it, but don’t carry it.
This is vital. Confess your sin to God and release it. Do not carry the weight of it for the rest of your life. People may try to remind you of it, but choose to live in the forgiveness and cleansing that God promises. His grace is greater than your failure.
2. Deal with it, but don’t dwell on it.
If you cannot undo it, face the consequences, but refuse to dwell in guilt or shame. Address what needs to be handled, but do not allow it to dominate your thoughts. Avoid the people and situations that continuously bring it back to the surface. Let it remain in the past, where it belongs.
3. Conceal it, but don’t cover it.
This may sound contradictory, but it’s not. You are not required to broadcast your sins to others. Confess your faults for encouragement and strength, but confess your sins to God alone for forgiveness. This is why I don’t answer accusations, whether false or true. People cannot be trusted with your sins. Sharing unnecessary details can lead to further pain. However, trying to cover your sins through deceit or defensiveness only deepens the wound. Trust God to handle both the truth and the lies.
4. Live in grace, but do not grovel.
I stand in God’s grace, and while His grace humbles me, it does not demand public groveling. I am forgiven and redeemed, and I live in that freedom. Grace calls us to humility, but it does not demand humiliation.
5. Do what you can, but forget what you can’t.
I owe Christ the rest of my life. No one can dictate otherwise. Some may prevent me from serving under their authority, but they cannot control what God has purposed for me. The limitations others impose cannot restrict what God allows. If He chooses to use me, nothing can stand in His way. Amen!
When an undo-over isn’t possible, apply these principles. Never believe the lie that your usefulness has ended. God knew your failures long before they happened, and He already had a plan to restore and use you again for His glory. Remember, God called you—and He never asks for undo-overs.