I am on the praise team at the church I attend. Last year we introduced the song “This is a Move” by Tasha Cobbs. During that particular service, I was the soloist/worship leader for it. When it finally came time to sing it in church, I came in on the completely wrong key. I don’t know how it happened, but to me, it was awful! I was embarrassed and horrified that I had messed up so badly. We have only done that song a handful of times since then and every time I have been petrified to sing it. I get nervous and shaky and I feel like I am going to pass out or get sick. Even though I know the song and practice it so much to make sure I don’t mess up, there is still a part of me that only thinks about the time I made a mistake. Part of me thinks I will never be able to sing the song right and that I will keep messing up. Part of me that is living in the past.

You see, this part of me- the one that subconsciously tells myself I will never measure up and that I will always mess everything up, prevents me from moving forward. It prevents me from doing what I am called to do because I am so scared of ruining something.

Now let me ask you a question…have you ever had something like that happen to you? Whether it be something so small or something big, has it made you live in regret and worry that whatever you do, you will completely mess it up? I’m pretty sure it has happened to all of us. Because that’s what the devil does. As soon as you make one mistake, even the tiniest one, he will torment you into believing that you are worthless and you should just not even try because you will surely fail. When you do try, he will torture you with the guilt and the memories of when you made that mistake.

When you live in the past and relive all the mistakes you made instead of using those mistakes to grow and learn, you will not be able to move forward. It prevents you from growing your relationship with God. Here’s the thing: we are human. We make mistakes. We sin. But that does not mean that we are not called by God to do great things. James 3:2 states, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offends not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (KJV).

You have two options. You could live in the past and prevent yourself from moving forward or you can learn from those mistakes and do what God has called you to do.

So. What is your choice?

Hannah Preston attends Solid Rock Church of Monroe. She is currently in college pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and is working at an Eye doctors office as a technician. She has type 1 diabetes and a few years ago had thyroid cancer and had to have her thyroid removed. Some of her passions include writing, playing the piano, singing, and most importantly living for God and building her relationship with Him. She is worship leader at her church and is very involved with the music and hyphen ministry there. She live to share the gospel with others and show them God’s love.