I was awakened in the middle of the night and began pondering on a few people and events in my life that I would consider as some “Ut-ohs” that I’ve experienced. It led me to think, as a mom, how I would love to prevent my children from having many “Ut-oh” moments or becoming an “Ut-oh” for someone else. But..I know…I know…they will make their own mistakes and learn from them, just like I did. It’s just…you know…“Ut-oh”.
Do you have any regrets? Do you live with regrets so much that it saddens you still? Well, let’s see what Paul had to say:

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14 

Paul was saying this to a group of believers. He was remembering the man he used to be (a bad bad man), and looking ahead to becoming the man that God wants him to be.

“I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I’m glad—not that you were upset, but that you were jarred into turning things around. You let the distress bring you to God, not drive you from him. The result was all gain, no loss. Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.”  2 Corinthians 7:8-10

Again, Paul was speaking to a group of believers. He was encouraging them in a frank way. Knowing that we sometimes (okay, do) have “Ut-oh” times in our lives (much like he did), Paul encouraged them that coming face-to-face with their “Ut-ohs” and turning from them and turning to Christ brings about a great change and builds character.
Peter was giving some excellent warnings and advice to the young. I believe it’s good for us all:

“Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy, and he goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to attack and eat. Refuse to follow the devil. Stand strong in your faith. You know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are having the same sufferings that you have.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

Try to prevent yourself from having so many “Ut-oh” moments. Stand strong in your faith. Remember that you’re not alone. Also bear in mind that temptation is not a sin, but succumbing to it is. (Click here for a plethora of entries regarding temptation.) That sin would be the “Ut-oh”
And finally, when you run and/or learn from those “Ut-ohs” it affects your outlook:

“A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.” Proverbs 15:13

Do you have some “Ut-ohs” you need to turn back on and move forward? Just like a quote on my air-freshener in my car says: “Don’t look back, you aren’t going that way”.
I pray many blessings and much joy for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
 
 

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