Everyone (in the U.S.) will turn back their clocks one hour today. And I am afraid that some (or many) will wish they could turn back yesterday, or last year. They wish they could go back and turn back a decision that set them back.
But such is backward thinking. Your past is not fatal; your mistakes are not final; and your failures are not the end. God’s deposit in you is non-refundable, and His call is irrevocable. He does not change His mind, and He does not second-guess His decision. Jesus said no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom (Luke 9:62). And our Father in heaven refuses to bring back to His mind any of your past sins, declaring emphatically, "I will never think of them again.” (Is. 43:25)
God will never turn His back on you. So as you turn your clock back today, it's a good time to stop looking back, and start coming back to the new thing awaiting you. He who sits on the throne says, "Behold, I am making all things new." (Rev. 2:15)
Showing posts with label fatal error. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fatal error. Show all posts
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Fatal Mistakes
James said “We all make many mistakes” (3:2). Al Franken said “Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way, unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from.”
When I reflected on Al Franken’s words, it dawned on me that the phrase “fatal mistake” is a spiritual paradox. Hurtful mistakes are a catalyst for radical change: “I’ll never do that again,” we say. In a real sense then, mistakes should be fatal errors—painful actions that result in the death of bad behavior or attitude.
Jesus also affirmed the value of mistakes when He said to Peter (who was about to make the biggest mistake of his life), “I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not fail; so when you have repented and turned to me again [you will be able to] strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:32 edited). Peter's mistake made him aware of his horrible pride, and only afterward, was he fully useful to Jesus ("Feed My sheep"). A fatal mistake is one that kills you—“putting to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you” (Colossians 3:5).
When I reflected on Al Franken’s words, it dawned on me that the phrase “fatal mistake” is a spiritual paradox. Hurtful mistakes are a catalyst for radical change: “I’ll never do that again,” we say. In a real sense then, mistakes should be fatal errors—painful actions that result in the death of bad behavior or attitude.
Jesus also affirmed the value of mistakes when He said to Peter (who was about to make the biggest mistake of his life), “I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not fail; so when you have repented and turned to me again [you will be able to] strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:32 edited). Peter's mistake made him aware of his horrible pride, and only afterward, was he fully useful to Jesus ("Feed My sheep"). A fatal mistake is one that kills you—“putting to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you” (Colossians 3:5).
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