Acknowledge your Mistakes and Move On

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NIV

In a story titled “Race Director Cancels Marathon with 1,000 Runners Still on the Course” published by Runner’s World recently, it was reported that race organizers canceled the Richmond Runfest marathon due to extreme heat while 1,000 runners were still on the course. Temperatures hit close to 90 degrees in Richmond, England, which is outside of London. After two water stations were depleted, officials told participants the race was canceled and they should walk to the finish, according to the Standard. Tom Bradford, the race director, issued a statement earlier this week that said, “We made many mistakes yesterday, and we must do better in similar circumstances. If I had the opportunity again, we would have certainly canceled the marathon if not the whole event.” 

And you know, when it comes to mistakes, one thing is certain… all believers will make them. And the great majority of them will then lament over their errors and declare, “If I had the opportunity again, I would have done this or that differently.” Unfortunately though, no one can go back and change things but all those who follow Jesus Christ can press on with their heads held high knowing that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

So by all means apologize for your mistakes my friend and vow to learn from them and to do better. But take heart in knowing that whatever it is that you did wrong, you have a Father in heaven who loves you and is willing to wipe your slate clean upon the confession of your transgressions. Do you just love that or what? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your one and only Son to die for us so that we could have forgiveness of sins. Lord help us to acknowledge when we’ve done wrong and to learn from our mistakes. But please help us to never wallow in them so we can keep moving forward under Your grace. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!