“I can’t get out of this now.”

I remember riding down the interstate when I had this thought so many years ago; I knew it was true. I had made a bad choice. It would be years before the Lord, in His mercy, intervened on my behalf to bring relief. Until that time, I had to live with my choice. It was terrifying, sickening, and lonely.

My only option was crystal clear. I had to turn to Jesus, as I should have before the decision. Learning that lesson then has taught me a skill that carries me through life to this day.

All Christians are on a journey. We are striving, running, walking, sometimes limping, but always, living our best and worst choices. God gives all of us free will, and we sometimes make poor choices.

Even Christians can feel like God has disappeared, but we can still turn to Him, in faith. Whether we sense or know His presence isn’t required. He hasn’t disappeared. But the best choice to make after making a bad choice is to turn to Jesus. We can get on our knees, feel His comfort as we breathe, and tell Him anything.

That recommendation is all I have after making a bad choice.

2 Promises

He is with us – Philippians 2:13 -“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

The Bible is clear that God is working in every Christian and that He will bring about His good purpose. His timetable is different from ours. But it is comforting to know He doesn’t leave us after a poor choice.

He is available – Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

The Bible tells us that we have things to learn all through life from Jesus. That is the journey of abiding with Him(John 15). But when we are in trouble or recovering from a bad choice, He mercifully provides rest along with lessons.

Remember, all the solutions won’t come instantly, and you will need endurance. God seldom removes natural consequences. God is a gentleman and knows the safest and most merciful path is hand in hand with Him. He won’t drag us. We will know His loving kindness when we surrender and come to Him as a child.

After a bad choice, we can go quickly to Jesus. We will receive assurance of His Help through the regret, the consequences, and the process of getting our life back on track.

What will you do now? What do you need to do? Do the next right thing.

Here’s an article I wrote about confessing to God, which I hope is helpful: https://valerierumfelt.com/2024/11/14/10-benefits-of-confession-to-god-alone/

©Valerie Rumfelt