Rising From What You Tried to Hide: God Isn’t Finished With You

Have you ever looked back on a moment in your life and felt that small sting of embarrassment or regret? Maybe it was a decision you wish you could redo, a step you took too quickly, or something you kept to yourself because it felt easier to hide than to explain. We all have those moments. And even when we’ve moved forward, the memory can still linger in the background, whispering questions about who we are and what God can do with our story.

I had a moment like that back when I was applying to universities. I hid something I felt ashamed of, and I carried it for years before I finally shared the truth. But the more I look back, the more I realize the story isn’t really about what I hid. It’s about how God kept working even when I felt like I had fallen short. And that’s true for you too.

Philippians 1:6 (NLT) says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished…”

This verse gives a steady kind of hope. It tells you that God has not stopped working on your life, your purpose, or your growth. Even when you’ve taken detours. Even when you’ve made choices you regret. Even when you’ve tucked away parts of your story because it felt safer to hide them.

Your past does not cancel your progress.

Your regrets do not erase your identity.

Your detours do not take away your divine advantage.

God has this incredible way of taking the places you felt embarrassed, behind, or unsure of and turning them into places of strength and clarity.

Sometimes the path you didn’t want becomes the path that shapes you the most.

Sometimes the moment you tried to hide becomes the testimony that sets you free.

Sometimes the chapter you wish didn’t happen becomes the very chapter God uses to grow you.

And if there is a part of you still holding onto something quietly, a mistake, a secret, a misstep, a moment you wish had gone differently, this is your reminder:

You are not disqualified. As we return to to heart and allow His word to show us what He really thinks about us, we can embrace the truth that God will still form us and move us forward in alignment with His plan for our lives.

This is what it means to live with a mindset of advantage. You don’t rise from shame; you rise from identity. You rise because you carry the presence, purpose, and promise of God in you.

Midweek Pause Practice (Activity)

A simple 2–5 minute practice to help you rise from regret:

1. Sit in a comfortable position and take a slow breath in.

2. Read Philippians 1:6 out loud. Let each word settle.

3. Place your hand over your heart.

4. Say softly: “God is not finished with me.”

5. Bring to mind one memory or moment you’ve held onto.

6. Release it in a quiet prayer:

   “Lord, I place this in Your hands today. Do Your deepest work in me.”

Father, thank You for never giving up on me. Thank You for turning my detours into purpose and my regrets into places of growth. Help me walk in clarity and confidence, trusting that You are still completing Your work in me. Give me the courage to rise again from any moment I’ve tried to hide. In Jesus' name. Amen.

If you’re ready to keep growing in clarity, identity, and courage, explore more reflections in the 1Life Identity Series or join an upcoming Wisdom Session. I'd love to hear from you!

Be blessed! Michelle