Accurate Historical Analysis

History is important. It also, sadly, can't be rewritten after the fact.

But whatever the topic, even or subject matter, whether on a personal level or a national level, it is necessary to have an accurate analysis. Granted we don't always have all the information or the complete story until months, years and decades later, even; but an accurate account is crucial for a number of reasons.... most importantly, to help us not repeat that which went wrong.

Ironically, I'm writing this after following a thread on social media, about a young couple in their 20's becoming debt-free and yet struggling with feeling as though they are wasting their time to be able to enjoy "life" during their 20's. And tons of comments follow... about how much farther they will be ahead by making the sacrifice now in their youth, rather than living life to the full and literally paying for it one, two and three decades later. Comments are flooding in by people who are 2 and 3 decades later, and kicking themselves for not doing what this young couple is accomplishing.

We can talk about a barrage of social, cultural and national issues for which this truth applies, the need for accuracy regarding history but we'll leave that to the experts who do that sort of thing daily. On a personal level, regardless of stage and position you find yourself in life today, it's easy to get caught up and burned out thinking about how the prospect of tomorrow would be different had you done yesterday differently. And in the middle of that is now doing what is necessary today, rather than what is desirable today.

Better to sacrifice early, by choice, than later, by force. 

Everybody deals with regret differently, especially in their own lives, where's it's easy to tell and repeat our side of the story, rather than the whole story or convince ourselves that situations and our stupidity wasn't as bad as everyone else saw it to be (speaking for a friend *wink, wink). I would think to deal with such matters while engaged in some incredible challenging circumstances in the lives of others through the avenue of ministry would be incredibly difficult.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for those pastors struggling with regrets and decisions of long ago. Even though they can't be changed, pray that they would have an accurate analysis what happened, so that lessons can be learned that haven't already and wisdom can be applied moving forward. Pray that God would redeem the time that was lost, by bad decisions, missed opportunities, misguided dreams and unproductive activities. May God use their experience to help others in their journey, as they are reminded once again of the powerful truth of God's sovereign hand...

He works all things together
For those who love Him
And are called according to His purpose.

- PNC