When you start to have a “growth mindset,” you will realize that mistakes do not define you — they refine you. At least this is what God does with our mistakes and messes. If we allow Him to clean up the mess, He will use every bit of it for our good. If we let Him, God will use the results of our mistakes as the foundation upon which He can build a new life. Just like the stories of the men and women in the Bible (see below), God works the same way with every person that turns to Him, as He takes our mistakes and cultivates good out of them. He works through our mistakes knowing there is strength in pain that can be gained no other way.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
So, What… for This Week?
Remember, God is not committed to our happiness and comfort; He is committed to our good. Just as a parent lets a child learn from pain, God is doing the same with us. We’re NOT alone in our mistakes, as some of the greatest men and women in the Bible had the biggest issues. Jacob was a cheater; David had an affair; Noah got drunk; Peter had a temper; Paul was a murderer; Moses had a temper; Sarah was impatient; Jonah ran from God; Gideon was insecure and on and on!