Living without Retroactive Regret
Recently, I was clearing out some old bicycle parts – useful but not needed items that I acquired over the years. While the parts possessed value, I did not anticipate needing them again. Thus, I could pass them along to someone who could utilize them. (Or equally possible, unintentionally pass them along to a bike part hoarder.) We all know the fear in clearing out useful items: “I might need it someday.” Well, well, well. Less the two weeks after the great clear out, my front fender breaks. And (you already know how this ends), that’s right, I was (key word: was) the proud owner of an unused front fender. I asked myself, “Was I right to discard those items?” As I considered this inevitable question, it reminded me of our faith in God. What seems the right decision is suddenly reevaluated after an expected event follows. For example, we decide to make a significant financial donation, and once the funds exit our account, our washing machine goes caput. Should we have been so generous/reckless with our limited finances?
Let’s consider an event from the life of Paul. The Book of Acts details some of Paul’s missionary journeys, and toward the end of the book, Paul declares his steadfast intention to travel to Jerusalem: “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me” (Acts 20.22-23). While Paul has some inclination of forthcoming troubles, he continues toward his destination. Along the journey, a prophet named Agabus offers this message: Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 21.11) Upon hearing this dire pronouncement, Paul’s companions vehemently attempt to dissuade him away from his intended plan. Understandably, they want their friend to avoid harm. Should Paul change his plans? Should Paul reverse his previous conviction to travel to Jerusalem
Despite the prophetic warning and pleas to heed its warning, Paul stays the course. He continues to Jerusalem. Within days of his arrival in the city, we find the whole city was aroused, and people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple (Acts 21.30). Soon after, the commander came and arrested [Paul] and ordered him to be bound with two chains (Acts 21.33). As the book of Acts proceeds, Paul remains a prisoner and eventually makes his way to Rome where he lives under house arrest. This question persists: Did Paul make the right decision to travel to Jerusalem? Circumstances say “No.” But circumstances are not infallible retroactive judges. The right choices may not lead to preferable consequences.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we know God calls us toward a faith-filled journey: one step at a time. If we get the steps correct, we can leave the destination to God’s providence. And on some occasions, we will arrive upon unpreferred circumstances. Our goal, however, is not our preference. Rather, our goal is a single faithful step forward. Regarding Paul and his journey, the scriptures never make judgment (right or wrong) on Paul’s traveling to Jerusalem, but we do find God’s great favor in the ensuing events. Taking one faith-laden step at a time, Paul finds chains - seemingly just the chains of God’s sovereign plan.
