In Retrospect

Life has a way of revealing foolish decisions, mistakes, and pride as circumstances unveil an unpleasant reality. This is not to say walking wisely negates hardship. However, many lessons are learned from past mistakes. The beauty of wisdom from lessons learnt are oft cultivated by reflecting on not just what went wrong, but why it went wrong and then turning the other direction. Retrospective reflection filtered through God’s word can illuminate purpose out of a painful past.

Each person has their own journey and story; yet the blueprint of our stories started with God who made us in His image and likeness. Yet we have fallen from grace through the sins of our fore parents, Adam and Eve. Now, generation after generation experience the repercussions of the sinful nature. We are not only enduring life for ourselves but observing over time the outcomes of certain decisions in the lives of others. There is also a great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us like Daniel, Moses, Abraham, and Rahab. They set an example of faith, perseverance, and trust in God even through their own life struggles.

Thankfully, wisdom cries out loudly so that whether we acknowledge it or not, the fruit speaks. Who has ears to hear and eyes to see, will do so. No need to try it all, fire still burns. Do we all have to make the same mistakes to learn? Nay! The heart of man is desperate and wicked so that we drown out the sound and block our eyes from that which is true to fulfill its desires. But that does not change it, as the truth remains. It does not condescend to us, but we must be elevated to its heights.

The Bible is God’s Word, and all creation is given the duty of living it out. The Author and Finisher of our stories tell us through the pages of His Word how to live and end well. Read it and get to know the Author, let Him guide you and ask for wisdom to understand.

We are in a race, not a sprint but a long distance one, day by day. How are you running? Is your life built on wisdom? If so, praise God and fortify its foundation through daily prayer, reading the word of God and building the community of faith. But, if not, this new day is an opportunity for you to start the foundation. Jesus Christ is the foundation, and his love meets you right where you are and raises the standard. No one can change their past whether good or bad, but we can go forward stronger, better, and wiser. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, don’t be a fool and despise it. Build your life on wisdom.