For the person who feels like they blew it

For the person who feels like they blew it, a word of encouragement:

You yelled at your kids, you were short and rude with the person who held up your lane or your line. You jumped to conclusions, falsely accused someone, used someone for personal gain, or could not resist sharing something unnecessary. The list goes on and on and the offenses mount up into a defeating and depressing pile. You blew it!

First, the fact that you care or feel discouraged is good. Uneasiness in your spirit reminds you that God is alive in you—even when or especially when you feel like a miserable failure.

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way;” Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)

Our wandering heart is not surprising to him. Adam listened to Eve, Abraham told Sarah to lie, Jacob deceived his father and brother, Moses got even and killed a man, Israel whined and complained about everything, David saw Bathsheba and lust took over, and Gideon was full of excuses and fear.

The disciples deserted, Peter denied, Paul murdered, John Mark gave in to discouragement. Do you find a theme here?

Failure does not disqualify you.

All God has ever had to work with is common, ordinary jars of clay. But He put His image inside of His creation and offers to forgive and cleanse us from all sin. Faith in Jesus Oh righteousness is God’s gracious gift. Jesus came to clean up and redeem our failures.

If you blew it today, confess it to Jesus. Ask him to forgive and cleanse you and fill you with his Spirit to start again.

“The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” Lamentations 3:40 (ESV)

To the ones you blew it with, sincerely apologize. Words are only as meaningful as the actions we put with them. Apart from a changed heart, we repeat our behavior!

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

Praying this is a reminder someone needs today.