[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during April 2024]
Did we get it wrong, again? Depending upon what ‘it’ is, the answer is very probably “Yes”. The apostle Paul knew the feeling:
Instead of doing what I know is right, I do wrong.
Romans 7 v19 [CEV]
It is certain that we can all identify with that sentiment. Here is an expanded version of Paul’s observation:
For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
Romans 7 v18-19 [NIVUK]
Are we discouraged by our mistakes? Are we tempted to think that they mark us as failures, hopeless non-achievers?
A more positive approach is to think of failures as learning opportunities. There is a modern proverb which says “The man who never made a mistake never made anything”. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the first practical light bulb, is accredited with saying “I now know 999 ways in which a light bulb does not work”.
The Bible includes numerous examples of people who got it wrong. We read of prominent God-fearing men who made decisions that seemed expedient at the time but, with hindsight, their actions were less than optimum. The accounts of Abraham, David, Jonah, Peter – the list is endless – do not gloss over their shortcomings but those same accounts include details of repentance, restoration and recommitment.
The same restitution is available to us. By putting our trust in Jesus Christ as saviour we are no longer failures; we have a way to become successes in the sight of God.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1 v8-9 [ESVUK]
I recall my great-grandfather looking back over his 94 years and commenting that he “wouldn’t change anything”. Was he being rather selective with his memories? I rather think that he was suggesting that, whatever the problems and challenges of his life, the final outcome was a positive one. He could concur with Fanny Crosby’s words: “Jesus led me all the way”.[1] He was content to have walked a stony path because that gave him a firm foundation.
Do we look at our experiences in the same way? Do we recognise that, whatever the ingredients in the recipe of our life, the overall experience will be one of blessing.
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
HG Spafford 1873
References:
[1] from “All the way my Saviour leads me” Fanny Crosby (1875)
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Last week’s reflection: The Deal of a Lifetime
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
Thanks for this reflection, Steve.
An interesting thought provoking reflection Steve.