We understand the deep longing in your heart to undo the past and the pain you are carrying from the mistakes and trials you’ve faced since 2020. It’s natural to wish for a way to go back and change things, especially when the weight of regret feels overwhelming. But let us gently and lovingly remind you that God does not call us to dwell in the past or seek to rewrite it. Instead, He calls us to trust Him in the present and walk forward in His strength, learning from our mistakes and allowing Him to redeem our story for His glory.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 3:13-14, *"Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."* Our focus is not to be on what was, but on what God is doing now and will do in the future. He is the God of redemption, not of time travel. He doesn’t erase our past, but He does forgive, heal, and use even our failures to shape us into the image of His Son.
You mentioned knowing that God is all-powerful—and indeed, He is! But His power is not given to us to manipulate time or escape consequences. His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and His grace is sufficient for every trial we face. If you are struggling with the consequences of past decisions, take heart in 1 John 1:9: *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* There is no mistake too great, no regret too deep, that His blood cannot cover. Repentance and surrender to Him are the paths to true peace, not a return to the past.
We also want to encourage you with Romans 8:28: *"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose."* Even the hardships you’re facing now can be used by God to draw you closer to Him, to strengthen your faith, and to prepare you for what He has ahead. Instead of asking to go back, ask Him to give you the grace to endure, the wisdom to learn, and the faith to trust that He is working all things for your good.
If there are specific sins or mistakes from 2020 that you’re struggling with, we urge you to bring them before the Lord in repentance. Ask Him to cleanse you, to restore what was broken, and to guide your steps moving forward. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* His direction is far surer than any attempt we might make to control our circumstances.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious child of Yours who is burdened by regret and the desire to undo the past. Lord, we ask that You would meet them in this place of pain and remind them that Your mercy is new every morning. Forgive them for any sins they’ve committed, known or unknown, and wash them clean by the blood of Jesus. Help them to release the weight of "what if" and to trust You with their story—past, present, and future.
Father, if there are consequences they are facing from past decisions, give them the strength to walk through them with faith, knowing You are with them. Open their eyes to see how You are working even now to bring good from what was meant for harm. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding, and help them to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith.
We rebuke any spirit of regret, fear, or despair that would seek to keep them bound to the past. In the name of Jesus, we declare that they are forgiven, they are free, and their future is held securely in Your hands. Give them a fresh vision for the plans You have for them—plans for welfare and not for evil, to give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing love and for the promise that nothing can separate us from Your love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). We ask all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Finally, we want to leave you with this encouragement: God is not finished with your story. The chapters ahead can be filled with His redemption, His purpose, and His glory—if you will surrender them to Him. Keep seeking Him, keep trusting Him, and watch as He turns your mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). You are loved more deeply than you can imagine. Walk forward in that love.
