While driving into town this morning I heard this quote from Max Lucado.
But often, there comes a time in our life when we realize that our mistakes can be a powerful catalyst for change. Mistakes are often the one thing we need in order to bring about life-changing growth and a deeper understanding of God’s love for us.
I can remember exactly where I was when I was determined to not let a season of mistakes define me. At the time, the only way my mind knew how to explain it was that I did not want my mistakes to “win”. I realized that if I did not begin seeking God’s input on my choices, if I was going to continue holding things back from Him, if I couldn’t stop playing the blame game or if I continued to wallow in self-pity, then my mistakes would win. (At least, this is how I was able to explain it to myself.) I realized that eventually, if I continued doing things the way I was doing them, my bitterness and the path I was on would destroy me. Maybe not, physically…but definitely spiritually.
At that moment, I became willing to do whatever it takes to triumph over my failures…to turn my mistakes into opportunities of growth, healing, and learning. I can now look back on mistakes in my life, not with regret, but with a sense of wonder. I look back at that girl who was so desperate for God’s healing and I am so grateful for the choice I made to trust Him wholeheartedly. I believe that with every mistake we make, we come face to face with whether that mistake will be a turning point for us or whether we allow the mistake to essentially “win”. When we choose to allow a mistake to be a catalyst for growth and to propel us to enter into a closer relationship with our Creator, then somehow, through His amazing grace, the broken pieces of our lives are transformed into something beautiful and usable.
I still don’t comprehend how He does this. I just know He does.
Oh, I want grace to "win" in my life. I don't want to be defined by my failures or what I can't do. I can do all things through Christ.
Thanks for another great post, Eileen.
When you put things in terms of "win" and "lose" my heart responds — due to my competitive nature. This is a good way to motivate those of us who are competitve — will we let our mistakes win?
This is really powerful, Eileen. On so many levels. Would you share with Soli Deo Gloria? The link opens at 8pm CDT if you are interested. My heart feels compelled to tell you that specific people will be blessed by this.
http://findingheaventoday.blogspot.com
Lisa and Mike- 🙂 Amazing Grace!
Jen- done! Thanks for the invite.
You are always invited, friend. I love your words! Can I add you to the SDG email list? Usually, just a short reminder, but also a way to communicate prayer requests in a hurry — these girls PRAY! I so smiled when I saw you at SDG tonight. Thank you for coming!
Eileen,
I don't think I've been here before, and I'm so glad you linked-up. I love Max L. He always says what I think. . .much, much better of course! Hope to read more by you.
Jen, yes add me to the list. Reminders are always helpful 🙂
Amy, Max Lucado is one of my favorites too!
We are all so flawed, aren't we? And God is so sweet with us. Amazing grace, indeed. Thanks foryour good words.
Fondly,
Glenda
beautiful words, Eileen. I too long for grace to win in my life.
I found you from Jen's site. Hope to see you there again!
-Mel
Not allowing mistakes to define your true self. What you were called to be.
I don't mind mistakes. I embrace them. I have learned so much from them.
Mrs. M.
This is so true… "Mistakes are often the one thing we need in order to bring about life-changing growth and a deeper understanding of God's love for us." This is why we can experience joy in the midst of them because we know that He will turn it all around for good. Great post!
Thank God for grace and for the wonderful truth that grace wins. Thanks for sharing these good words over at Jen's place today – that's how I found you!
What a wonderful and powerful article this was Eileen!
It immediately brought to mind the lyrics to a song I like (I seem to be stuck in song lyrics today… 🙂 ) :
The song's from Tenth Avenue North and the chorus is :
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
For some reason, I just heard it in my head reading your post. 🙂
Our mistakes are fertilizer for spiritual growth, and God uses them to define and enhance us in so many ways. You got it right… Grace Wins.
Wonderful Post! Have a Blessed Day!
eileen – this is so applicable..
We often continue on the same destructive course simply because we are afraid of choosing a different direction.
my bitterness and the path I was on would destroy me. Maybe not, physically…but definitely spiritually.
if i would cont. on this path I've chosen..it will destroy me spiritually AND physically. I am so moved to read your words. I never come away not moved to think.
xo
Such a powerful post. I've found in my life the sooner I give the mistakes to God, the easier the growth is. When I hold them close and berate myself with them the devil is so gleeful.
Pamela
Excellent reminder. God can work with anything!
I needed this today. Thank you!
Praise Him for His unfathomable grace to us!
Love this. Love your words, "But often, there comes a time in our life when we realize that our mistakes can be a powerful catalyst for change. Mistakes are often the one thing we need in order to bring about life-changing growth and a deeper understanding of God's love for us." Its painful to think we have to hit rock bottom before seeing the light but thats the way it is sometimes. We are so much alike…this is definately the way I feel too!
What a powerful reminder. Thank you for your words.