When Moses was 80 years old God said, "I want you to go to Pharaoh and lead my people out of Egypt." Moses immediately protested, "Oh, no, not me. I tried that once and failed. I'm content to tend sheep here in the wilderness. Send somebody else." Moses regretted his past so much he would have missed out on his role of deliverer if God hadn't persisted.

It's human nature for good people to remember their most glaring mistakes. Hall of fame athletes were asked to list their three most memorable moments in sports and almost all of them included one or two instances of failure (i.e. they struck out in the ninth with the bases loaded; they missed a free throw that could have won the game).

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Sometimes the best Christian people remember their failures because of their commitment to obedience and excellence. In that sense regret indicates an awareness of the perfection of Jesus Christ. But the cure for regret is to totally accept the incredible forgiveness of God. Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

There is no sin you've committed that God can't forgive and forget. Some of the people He has used in the most significant ways made huge mistakes. Abraham lied, Moses murdered, David committed adultery, Peter denied he knew Jesus, Paul persecuted Christians to their deaths. So don't allow regret of your past to hold you back. Christ's death on the cross forgives you if you put your trust in Him. His blood can make the foulest sinner clean.

Sometimes you have to release not just your own mistakes but the mistakes of others to God's grace. Joe Kemper is one of the most popular older men in our church. At 82, he has a wonderfully gracious and positive spirit. He is loved by all who know him and is kind of a surrogate grandfather to many. He walks four miles a day in the activities center and lifts weights 30 minutes every day.

But Joe's life hasn't been easy. His wife died 18 years ago. A few years ago a deeply loved grandson committed suicide. But Joe doesn't wallow in self-pity or regret. Joe will tear up and then say, "But God has been so good. I'm so thankful for friends at Southeast who have supported me. I'm so blessed."

I walked around the track several weeks ago, caught up with Joe, and we walked together. After about eight laps I asked, "Joe, did you ever think of dating again or remarrying?" He said, 'Well, one time, I did. I ran into an old girlfriend of mine from high school and her husband had died. So we dated one time again. But after it was over, I thought that it was as though I never knew her."

As we were talking he became pale. He started trembling and stopped to lean up against the railing, and passed out. I caught him before he hit the floor. He is a diabetic, but seldom has problems. I was panicky and called for help. We called EMS. Joe recovered and drank some juice and seemed to be okay. The EMS workers took his pulse and his blood pressure and finally determined he was okay. Joe kept apologizing for causing such a stir, as dozens of people stood around expressing concern.