When We Mess Up!

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5 ESV)

In life, we can count on times when we are not at our best, and we will mess up. Not if we mess up, when we mess up? Furthermore, what is our response, when we mess up? Since we are not the only ones that make mistakes, let’s look at two example from the Bible of individuals who have messed up.

First, King Saul had specific orders from the Lord to destroy the detestable Amalekites’ idols, and all that they have. God did not want Saul to spare anything, and to kill both man, woman, children, and life stock.

Saul declared to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. I have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took of the spoil, sheep, and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” (1 Samuel 15:20-22)

Saul directly disobeyed the instructions of God, to make matters worse, when Samuel confronted him; he tried to justify his action with his own reasoning. The Bible warns, “Do not be wise in our own eyes.” Saul’s reign seemed to have plummeted from that very moment.

Conversely, King David was not at his best, fell into temptation, and eventually led him to a sinful relationship with Bathsheba. The prophet Nathan confronted him, And David responded, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.” (Psalm 51:2-4)

There is no question; both were in sin; however, David had a different approach. He demonstrated an attitude of repentance, as well as, a concern for His relationship with God.

Here are two principles, out of many, to consider from His word when we mess up.

1. Confessions bring Healing

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

2. Our strength comes from Him:

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

These two principle seem to work alongside each other closely, it is at the moment when we begin confessing our weaknesses, God reminds us that we can do this without Him, and He provides the strength we need. Are you feeling powerless over your circumstances or a specific situation today? Good, you are in good company, because the moment you let go, He will be magnified in our life. Let Go, and Let God! Juan Mendez is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves full-time at America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Romans 4-7

Think About This: The Church on earth is a cross-eyed church, with one eye on God in His heavenly benediction, and one eye on the needy world of men. David Head

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,  comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17