No Regrets

Acts 20:26-27 “Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.”

Regret is one of the worst feelings. Have you ever experienced that sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach because you wished you could go back and do something differently? Maybe you wish you had spent a little extra time studying for the big test instead of watching a TV program. Or maybe you wish you had spent just a little more time with a loved one who has passed away. Regardless of the situation the heavy feelings of regret linger in your heart and mind for many days, months, or even years

The best way to keep yourself from this difficult emotion is to think about each decision you make and weigh the result of the action carefully. When you know that something is important, make it a priority in your life. That way when you come to the end of a particular road you can look back and feel confident that you did the best you could with God’s help.

The Apostle Paul knew that he was nearing the end of his life’s journey. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that prison and hardships awaited him in the coming days. Paul explained to his Ephesian brothers in Christ that this would be the last time they would see his face. Sadness at the parting filled each man’s heart, but Paul, though sad, experienced no regret.

He was able to say with confidence, “Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” Paul had given all his time and energy to preaching the good news of God’s salvation to everyone he met. Though he was burdened for his spiritual children’s well-being, he knew he had done what God had asked him to do.

So as he prepared to board a ship for Jerusalem he urgently warned the church leaders to guard against false teachers who would infiltrate the church, distorting the truth. Then Paul committed them to God and to His Word, which he knew was sufficient to build them up and keep them strong.

There is no way to control what life throws at you, but there is a way to keep from experiencing the heartache of wishful longing. Regularly seek God through His word and prayer. Ask Him to help you prioritize your life and then do what He says. With God’s help, let’s live a life of no regrets!