“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Yesterday, my son forgot his lunch for school. Oops! That didn’t turn out so well for him. A costly mistake! Luckily his older brother felt some compassion and shared a portion of his with him.
How many times have we made the trip into town for an errand, only to realize we left the bag of stuff to return to the store just next door was left at home. Oops! That’s gonna require another trip. A costly mistake!
When was the last time you decided not to lean over your bowl while enjoying some nice hot soup? Oops! That’s gonna need a stain-stick! A costly mistake!
It’s not so unusual for at least one adult member of the family to push the indicator light on the gas gauge. Oops! That’s not gonna end well. A costly mistake!
Those are examples of the many mistakes we commonly make throughout not only our day, but life. The consequences are expected and not that drastic. We kick ourselves with words like, “Are you kidding me?” and “How could you have been so dumb!” and “What in the world was I thinking?” We even recreate an alternative ending in our minds by recusing our actions by saying things like, “I should have . . .” or “I could have . . .” or “I would have if only . . . ”
My life, like yours, is filled with a bunch of these “little” mistakes. In most cases, turning around, making another trip or learning a lesson and changing are simple solutions to these daily misfortunes. But life dishes out some game changers too. You may know what I’m talking about — those mistakes that alter the course of your life, bring disaster to you and others, they hurt, rob and destroy. They bring regret to a whole new level.
However, regardless of my many minor mistakes or major mistakes, my God is with me. Today this is true: I know not what God will do, but God will do! His presence is with me always and I must not forget that God is in control of my life. Whatever experiences I have today, He has them with me! He will restore through my mistakes! It is true that my decisions can bring disaster into my life — and others — but God is the only one who can keep the disaster from destroying me! “Lord Jesus, do not allow me to try and take control because I will make a mess of it. I cannot meet life today without you!”
The ONE big mistake I can make today is forgetting you in the struggle around me. I must not . . . MUST NOT . . . make that mistake today! I must rest in you today!
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5-8