The other day I was speaking with a person I’ve known most of my life, and he asked me if I could go back in time and live my life again, what would change. You would think this would be a question from someone who has maybe suffered and now contemplates how much better life would have been if different decisions had been made. However, this person has been very blessed with a nice family, decent health and more wealth than they will ever be able to spend.
It’s true that many people are just never satisfied and often even a great life is not really appreciated. Instead of thanking God for all the good things we have, some will spend their lives daydreaming about a life that could have been. The truth is they would still not be satisfied. Jesus is the only person in heaven and Earth that can give true peace and contentment whatever the situation.
With fantasizing about this, I’ve heard others say the only way they would possibly even consider going back is if they could know what they know now. Good point, as I realize that going back for a do-over without this knowledge would risk making even more mistakes and being worse off than the first time. Even as a young man making foolish choices, I still believe that God was with me and was trying to guide me into the life he wanted me to live.
But what makes us think a second chance would be the charm? We learn and develop from our failures. Often, we do not recognize God’s presence at the moment, but hopefully, we can look back and see that he not only wants to save us spiritually but also physically, mentally and emotionally. Blessings we enjoy today are a direct result of him intervening, inspiring and warning us in times of difficulties.
Most humans who visualize a second chance are only thinking about what would make them more happy, instead of how they could cause God to be more pleased with them. I rarely hear individuals say that going back in time would allow them to help others, do more good deeds or tell more people about Jesus. It’s usually about regretting decisions they wish they could change.