|
How to turn your mistakes into Miracles
Proverbs 24:16 says, “A just man may fall seven times, yet he will rise up again." As Christians we will all, at some time or other, stumble or make a mistake. Be it intentionally or unintentionally! Errors are just part of daily life, and they happen to all of us. However, even though some mistakes or misjudgements are devastating, the majority can be turned around for your good. Yesterday's tragedy can become the catalyst for today's triumph! Every setback provides you with the opportunity to make a come back!
Even in error and catastrophe, in hardship and suffering, in tears and tragedy, in bitter disappointments and mistakes, God promises to work all things together for your good [Romans 8:28]. Psalm 37:23, 24 states that "the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he falls [fails], he shall not altogether be cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Notice, the Lord delights in your ways. Even though you fail, you will not experience permanent defeat! Why? Because He has you firmly in the palm of His hand! Therefore, failure is not fatal! And, your mistakes are not final!
Here are 7 ways to turn your mistakes into miracles:
[1] Recognise and accept your humanity. None of us are infallible! And remember, God anticipated ALL your weaknesses. "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has mercy on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame [our make-up]; He remembers that we are fallible" – Psalm 103:13, 14. A word of caution; don’t ever use the excuse "I'm only human" as a cop-out or cover-up, instead, use your frailties to motivate you toward higher principles.
[2] Admit your mistakes. Recognise and confess your mistakes to yourself and to God. Do not try to justify them! Proverbs 28:13 says, "He that covers his sins will not prosper; but he who confesses and forsakes them will receive mercy." Caution, revealing and confessing your mistakes to others, could more than anything else, end up destroying trust and confidence. Where ever possible, keep your own counsel. Proverbs 10:19 tells us - "In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." People who have been affected by your error may need an apology. However, telling the world you’ve blown it, only serves to undermine anything and everything you do in the future.
[3] Examine any alternatives that were open to you at the time of your mistake. Obviously you made a wrong move - you miscalculated! But what were your options at the time? Did you have any or had you already run out of rope? Could you have done it differently, and did you do your very best [under the circumstances]? You see, sometimes what appears to have been a mistake was really the only feasible route you could have taken. Every now and then, life or people just 'snooker' us! And unfavourable conditions often block us!
[4] Be willing to taste the pain of your error. Disappointment can motivate you. Stop trying to anaesthetise yourself against the pain of every wrong decision you've made. There are times when God want's you to feel the hurt of your wrong-doings. If God cushioned every blow, you would never grow!
When the Prodigal Son became so hungry that he would have filled his belly with the same muck that the pigs were eating, he was allowed to "come to himself." The psalmist said, "It is good for me that I have been sorrowful; that I might learn Your statutes" [Psalm 119:71].
[5] Allow a reasonable measure of time for your recovery. We all desire an instant change in our circumstances, but it simply takes time for total restoration. Of course, there are things we can do to hasten the healing, but never grow weary when waiting for your reward or the completed miracle. Give yourself plenty of time and space. And in the meantime, while you are living in the 'recovery zone', learn to cultivate compassion, exercise faith and develop more control in the weaker areas of your character.
[6] Help someone else to recover from a setback. Look around you! What can you do now to make things happen for others? Reminding yourself that whatever you do for others, God will surely make happen for you! The level of your contribution toward others determines the measure of God's contribution toward you. Proverbs 3:27 says, "When it is in the power of your hand to do so, do not withhold good from those to whom it is due."
[7] Learn to celebrate even the smallest accomplishment. Develop a thankful heart! Appreciate every blessing and cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Look for the good in every situation. Look for the good in others. Forgive yourself and look for the good in yourself! Keep recognising and celebrating your own accomplishments, no matter how insignificant they may appear to others. An optimistic person is less likely to quit. If you desire to turn your mistake into a miracle, see good in everything, and never quit! |
Chris Demetriou, 22/01/2006 |
|
| |
