June 6
“We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
One of the great mysteries of our lives is the role of our choices.
There are so many different types of choices we can make – each and every day. Good choices, bad choices, wise choices, foolish choices, selfish choices, sacrificial choices – and several others that may be difficult to define.
Our choices effect all our lives – even those that seem so insignificant.
It has been said that choices: 1) reveal our character; and 2) define the course of our lives. 
For so many of us, the composite of our foolish and selfish choices can bring us a lot of devastation.
We can ride the roller-coaster of our bad choices – and find our selves spiraling out of control.
It is the story of so many… we never intend to end up where our choices can bring us. Leaving us in a mess. Feeling like a failure. Like so much broken wreckage on the side of the road of our life’s journey.
But here is the wonder of God: All the mistakes of our lives do not deter Him. He is never worried, or wondering, what in the world to do with us.
Romans 8:28 tells us that when we turn our hearts to Him, and place the brokenness of our lives in His Hands – He brings forth something amazing.
That God is able to work “all things together for good” is more than just a hopeful phrase – it is the undeniable proof of His unconditional love for us.
I find it interesting that God never promises to keep bad things from happening to us. And He seldom prevents us from making the terrible choices of our lives. Sometimes we really think that He should. We could really do without all the ways in which we have become our own worst enemy.
But, He is an expert at taking messes and making miracles. Brokenness, and making beauty. Devastation, and turning it into delight.
But bad into good?
What God does, is take our past and make a way for those wrong choices to give us a purpose. A way for us to be able to connect with others who have seen similar results in the choices of their own lives. He takes what brought us so close to death’s door – and makes it into a lifeline for others.
God also lifts our eyes from our selves, and fixes them on other people around us. Somehow, the love of God loosens the chains of our failures, and makes us able to leave our mistakes behind us. And it allows us to live in empathy for other “wrecks beside the road.” We can be a point of connection and compassion for those whose mistakes have gotten the best of them.
This is a vital part of what it means to be “called according to His purpose.” His purpose is redemption – and all our many past mistakes can make us into living examples of just how far His redemption can go.
Prayer focus: God, help me to see that you are able to redeem every mistake of my past… and give it a meaning in my present.
TheHeartseeker's Blog 