Have you ever stumbled upon an old photograph that instantly transported you back in time? This past weekend, while searching for a Mother’s Day photo to accompany my blog on FGGAM.org, I noticed a stock image of a family—mom, dad, daughter, and son—standing together on the beach. It brought back vivid memories of our family during a mini vacation years ago. We probably looked a lot like the family in the picture back then. Reflecting on the memories of our kids digging in the white sand, chasing the ocean waves, while my husband and I enjoyed the moments of peace that came with a family vacation at Fort Myers Beach, I couldn’t help wishing I could go back in time. Holy cow, how quickly forty years have passed!
The family in the photo are gazing at the ocean and possibly contemplating their futures. I have often wondered if by some magic—a wand, crystal ball, or a genie’s granted wish—I could see the future, would I really want to? In my youth, I would have exclaimed, “Heck yes!” It would have been invaluable to know which job to take, where to send my children to school, and how to avoid numerous mistakes. But now, in my later years, I've come to believe it’s better not to know.
Knowing would be overwhelming, and we might choose to give into our fear instead of following our faith, changing our paths. Without the struggles and trials, would we really savor those sweet moments of triumph? It’s like enjoying a glass of sweet tea on a sweltering summer day — its refreshment is magnified by the heat. No one wants pain over pleasure, yet without the pain, would we fully appreciate the pleasure?
“...whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14 KJV)
Jesus’s teachings on knowledge, readiness, and spiritual freedom suggest that if we focus on understanding scripture, praying for insight, and trusting God with our decisions and the outcomes, we will be blessed. Sometimes the blessing is in the pain.
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.” (John 16:12 KJV)
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 KJV)
Despite having scriptural answers, we often make unscriptural choices, ignore our better judgment, and face the consequences of our actions. Even when we know better, we often choose to do it our way, instead of following the scriptures.
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV)
The song “If I Could Turn Back Time” resonates deeply with me, evoking a desire to revisit defining moments of my past. Growing up in the television and movie era of the fifties and sixties, I thought I knew more than those who came before me and believed I could avoid their errors. As a new mother, however, I quickly realized how clueless I was about raising children. Though no perfect manual for raising children exists, the Holy Bible offers all the wisdom needed—if we choose to embrace and apply its teachings. I am grateful for two of my favorite scriptures that I often spoke over my children in my prayers:
“Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV)
“And if it seems evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.” (Joshua 24:15 KJV)
Turning back time wouldn’t change anything; history shows that we often repeat our ancestors' mistakes. Our hope is in God, who promises to forgive our transgressions if we repent and seek His forgiveness, committing to sin no more.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 KJV)
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)
Every person, generation, and nation faces choices that determine their outcome for now and for eternity. When we err, God provides a way to use our mistakes for good—a truly comforting promise.
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:20 KJV)
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)
As the famous gospel song says, “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now.” So even if I could turn back time, I’m not sure I would. Every twist and turn, every moment of joy and sorrow, has brought me closer to understanding the true essence of faith and love.
I would love it if you shared the scriptures that have guided you through difficult choices in life in the comments.