Field guide · Weather
Us with Godand Regret
Forecast: a cold wind blowing in from the past, with replays expected overnight.
Four tired ways to walk
Each has some truth in it. None of them is the whole story.
Under GodSheep that hide from the Shepherd
I’ll keep punishing myself, because that’s what I deserve.
Over GodSheep that know the way
Just learn the lesson and move on; dwelling on it is unproductive.
From GodSheep that follow the grass
God, can’t you just undo it and give me a do-over?
For GodSheep trying to be the sheepdog
I’ll make up for it by working twice as hard for God from now on.
He restores you by the fire instead of dismissing what happened.
Peter denied Jesus three times beside a charcoal fire. After the resurrection, Jesus made breakfast on a charcoal fire and asked him three times, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15–19). He didn’t pretend it never happened. He healed it, and then he said, “Follow me.” Godly sorrow leads somewhere good and leaves no regret behind (2 Cor 7:10). God even promises to restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25).
Where the Shepherd isHe is on the shore with breakfast ready, calling the one who failed him back to the fire (John 21:9–12).
Tell God the regret plainly, and if there’s someone to make it right with, take one step toward them this week. The confession guide may help.
Jesus, will you meet me by the fire about this?
Fellow travelers
People in Scripture who walked this ground before us.
- Peter wept bitterly after his denial (Luke 22:62), and later Jesus gave him three chances to say “I love you” (John 21:15–17).
- The younger son rehearsed his apology, and his father ran to meet him before he could finish (Luke 15:17–24).
Keep walking
- With God: Sheep that know his voicethe posture every entry points to
- Which Way Are You Walking?a short self-check
- The Field Guideevery entry, by terrain, weather and crossing