"But you didn't have the benefit of hindsight," I was assured. Through this timely advice, I felt a burden lift. I remember that lovely, comforting feeling, but forget what prompted that remark. Probably, I was berating myself over having missed some perfect opportunities, and my listener caught the problem: I had forgotten that what would only later become obvious was not yet obvious at the time.

That got me thinking about hindsight itself. By definition, it's the understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed. We refer to hindsight when we say, "If I had known that at the time, I would have done differently." We believe that we could have improved the outcome if we had had the benefit of hindsight.

However, after the fact, hindsight may do more harm than good. Since we can't change the past, we're left with regrets, and possibly guilt and shame. Yet our guilt may be unfounded, for we cannot control factors which influenced the outcome.

What is it then that we so fervently regret? I think it's this: Deep down, we regret our inability to control destiny. We regret that we are merely human and not God. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, must have felt that regret. They were never allowed to return to the Garden and undo their terrible deed. That path was blocked by angels with flashing swords.

Certainly, if I could redo the past, I'd make sure things worked favourably — for me! For example, the time I expressed apprehension about giving someone my writing project. How would this be taken? Would I be misunderstood? (Note my self-interest.) My friend, after listening, laughed and said, "God's legs aren't so short that He can't catch up to you!" That was timely advice! Of course, God's ways aren't dependent on our choices. God can use anything, whether virtuous or evil, for our benefit and for His good purposes.

That happened for Jacob's family, recorded in Genesis 37-50. One day Jacob's older sons, stirred with jealousy, sold their younger brother, Joseph, into slavery. We read this account with the benefit of hindsight; we know that there's a happy outcome. But for many years this family did not have that benefit. Imagine the father's bitter grief over his lost son. Imagine Joseph's experience in Egypt, languishing in prison, wrongly accused of a crime he didn't commit, and forgotten by the very people who might have given him a chance to take his case before the Pharaoh.

Eventually this family would see their troubles work for good. They would be reunited and enjoy unimagined outcomes, like forgiveness, reconciliation, and salvation. Through happy tears, they'd hear their long-lost brother, Joseph, say, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good." (Genesis 50:20a NKJV)

That's where I see one true benefit of hindsight: Some day we will be able to look back and see everything in our lives all working for good. Such hope can heal our griefs and regrets.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (NKJV)

Prayer: Lord, help us to accept and forgive whatever may be preventing us from moving forward with faith, anticipating unimagined outcomes. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Diane Eaton <dianeeaton6@gmail.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada
Send your feedback to the author