Many people look back on their past and say, “If I had known…”
The Bible shows that regret is not new, but it can become a doorway to God’s grace.
Adam and Eve tasted the forbidden fruit and discovered shame and fear. Adam admitted:
“I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”(Genesis 3:10).
In other words: if I had known, I wouldn’t have disobeyed.
Yet God immediately gave them a promise of restoration.
The prodigal son experienced the same reality. After wasting everything, he “came to his to ”(Luke 15:17) — that moment when a person realizes: if I had known, I wouldn’t have taken this path.
But the father was waiting to restore his dignity.
Peter, after denying Jesus three times, wept bitterly
(Luke 22:62). His heart cried: if I had known…
But Jesus restored him and entrusted him again with His mission
(John 21:15–17).
These stories show that regret is not the end.
The Bible says:
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10) — a sorrow that leads to life, not condemnation.
God also promises:
“I will restore to you the years the locust has eaten” (Joel 2:25).
No past is too damaged for Him to redeem.
Instead of living with “if I had known,” God invites us to seek wisdom for the future:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5).
PRAYER:
Lord, take my regrets and turn them into a new beginning.
Thank You for restoring what I have lost, and for giving me the wisdom to move forward without fear.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA