You Are Not Your Past
Dealing with Regret from Your Past (While Moving Forward in Faith)
If you knew me before I was saved, you wouldn’t have liked me.
Oh, I was fun to be around, for sure. The life of the party, always up for an adventure. But you couldn’t trust me—not with your heart, your car, your money, or your husband. Especially your husband.
I wasn’t a good person, and I struggle with the weight of it all. Even though I’ve changed, even though I’ve prayed, repented, and know God forgives me, I wrestle with the hardest question:
Can I forgive myself?
If you’ve ever felt crushed by the weight of your past, even while trying to walk forward in faith, you are not alone.
Regret Is a Heavy Weight
Regret whispers:
· “You’re not really forgiven.”
· “You’ll always be that person.”
· “God might love you, but you’re still a mess.”
· “You don’t deserve peace or joy after what you did.”
Regret is the enemy’s favorite tool, keeping us chained to who we were so we can’t fully step into who God is calling us to be. But yes, you really are forgiven.
You might know in your head that God forgives you, but your heart struggles to believe it.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
When God says you’re forgiven, you’re forgiven. Fully. Completely. No exceptions.
God doesn’t see you as your past. He sees you through the righteousness of Jesus.
But What About the Damage I’ve Done?
Maybe you hurt people. Maybe you betrayed trust, made terrible choices, or caused pain you can’t undo.
Regret is often tied to the reality that while God forgives us, we can’t always erase the earthly consequences of our actions.
It’s okay to grieve the hurt you caused. It’s okay to feel sorrow. But once you have repented and sought to make amends where you can, you don’t have to live in that guilt forever.
Jesus died for all of it. Even the parts you can’t fix.
Learning to Forgive Yourself
This is where many Christians get stuck. We believe God forgives us, but we refuse to let ourselves move on.
Here’s the truth:
· You are not the same person you were.
· You are not defined by your worst moments.
· Refusing to forgive yourself is like saying Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t enough.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
When you replay your past, you’re watching a version of yourself who no longer exists. You are a new creation.
Using Your Past for God’s Glory
God can redeem even the worst parts of your story. Your past can give you compassion for others who struggling and your story can be a testimony of God’s grace. Your transformation can give hope to others who feel too far gone.
The enemy wants your past to keep you silent and ashamed. God wants to use it to show His mercy and power.
Practical Steps to Keep Moving Forward
· Write a letter of forgiveness to yourself as an act of surrender.
· Pray daily for God to help you see yourself as He sees you.
· Use Scripture to combat the enemy’s lies.
· Serve others as a living testimony of God’s grace.
· Surround yourself with people who remind you of who you are now, not who you were.
A Prayer for When Regret Won’t Let Go
Lord, You know the weight I carry from my past. I thank You for forgiving me completely, even when I struggle to forgive myself. Help me to see myself through Your eyes, as a new creation, redeemed and loved. Release me from shame and regret, and let me walk in the freedom and purpose You have for me. Use my past for Your glory. Amen.
You Are Not Your Past
If you struggle with regret, hear this:
You are forgiven.
You are redeemed.
You are loved.
You are new.
Your past is a chapter in your story, but it’s not the whole book. Don’t let regret steal the joy and purpose God has for you today.