Perspective shift – Nothing Wasted

“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” Proverbs 16:2 (NIV) God wastes nothing, not even our mistakes. At some point, you must face Truth. No matter how well behaved, God searches the heart. It is your heart condition, the motives that God weighs.

“Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.” Psalm 26:2 (NIV)

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes. But the Lord weighs the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2 (NKJV)

Is God not still God even when we mess up? How is it that we discard our capacity and belief that God can and will use us, at all times, in every season, and stage of growth, just because of our imperfect state? Do you not realize WHO God IS?

The Potter and the Clay

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter, so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:” O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!” Jeremiah 18:1-6(KJV)

“Their work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” 1 Corinthians 3:13-16 (NIV)

We all do things we regret. Make mistakes, act out, have issues… no one is perfect. This is what it means to "fall short". He understands our state, HE MADE US. He is the One Who offered HIS Son.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Remember that it is the things in which we struggle that prove to be our greatest strength, when we give it to Jesus. He specializes in brokenness. In our weakness, He is our strength. We are to depend completely upon Him for help to overcome our weaknesses.

The Thorn in the Flesh

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NKJV)

“Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I believe the specific details of Paul's thorn were left out intentionally. What I'd like to draw attention to is the basic information provided. "A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me," We are all familiar with Satan's messengers. Sickness, depression, guilt, shame, division, doubt, addiction, abuse, financial hardship, hate, unforgiveness, bitterness, etc. So, this word applies, intentionally, to your "thorn" and reminds us of our dependence on the Grace of God found in and through Jesus. Be encouraged friends, allow God to show you your heart. Allow Him to cleanse you from sin. Be sensitive and honest about your personal faults and weaknesses, this will keep you humble and dependent upon Jesus, our Strength. Even when we make mistakes, if your heart is set on following Jesus and your desire is to intentionally seek Him and live right, He has a way of working everything together.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Be blessed today and set your heart on the Author and Finisher of our faith.