You Can Make Mistakes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Rom. 8: 28

The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. Ps. 145:14

By: Carol McClain @carol_mcclain

You Can Make Mistakes
And Still Be Right With God

My family celebrated my eighth birthday party in my backyard. Indulging in cake and ice cream, I didn't notice my father had disappeared until he suddenly came riding a two wheeler into our midst. Decked with a bow and ribbons, this was MINE.

And once everyone had left, he took me to the road, held the back of my seat and ran me down the street.

It was love at first ride.

For my father, not so much. I couldn't convince him to help me after that first time. So I faced a decision. Sit around and admire my two-wheeler, or learn to ride. I chose the latter (and have the scars to prove it).

Sidling the bike to the curb, I aligned the peddles climbed on and went a few feet. I repeated the process and made it a couple of yards. Eventually, I rode to my neighbors.

Through the process, I learned what didn't help my balance and what did, how to best mount the bike and how to fly faster than I could have imagined.

I learned because I refused to fear making a mistake and failing.

Sadly, too many people worry too much about erring. They fear looking foolish. Believing God will not overlook  a misstep, people refuse to take the first step.

Mistakes are not sin.

Mistakes:

• Are done in innocence
• Lead to growth

Sins:

• We do it deliberately, even though we know better
• Comes from rebellion
• Lead to decay

I'm not talking about accidentally falling in love with a coworker or gossiping and discovering the juicy tidbit you share was false.

However, don't let your fear of making a mistake paralyze you. Try volunteering for nursery. If it doesn't work out, don't feel obligated to spend the rest of your life changing diapers.

Sing in the choir. If you discover you miss the freedom of unobserved worship, step down.

Lend a hand with vacation Bible school, become a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Learn the flute. Take up forestry.

What doesn't work out will add a stepping stone to the exact spot God wants you to serve in.

Remember the three men given the talents?

Who was the only one reprimanded?

What's holding you back?

Quick Tweets

Life is messy, so get your hands dirty. God allows mistakes. click to tweet.

You can make mistakes. ALL things work for God's glory. click to tweet.