I’ve never been a fan of my mistakes. I know I am not perfect, but I think I often expect that of myself. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement said we were, “going on to perfection.” It is both a destination and a journey, and likely, a journey that lasts a lifetime.

At times, we can expect too much from others, but hopefully, we find grace for them. But even that seems easier than extending grace to ourselves, yet, since it is difficult to give to others what we do not possess, it can be challenging to extend grace to those around us when we do not offer it to ourselves.

One of God’s great gifts is the offer of divine grace to all of us, yet those God deems worthy of grace, including ourselves, can find it difficult to give away and receive. It is as if we think our assessment of worthiness for grace is more accurate than God’s. God lavishes grace upon us while we dispense it like a controlled substance, especially when we are in need of it ourselves.

It is amazing how we carry failures from our past, but can barely remember yesterday’s successes. If asked to make a list of my top ten blunders, or embarrassing moments, it would likely take me longer to write than to remember. Successes, on the other hand, might require a little more effort. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to define ourselves by the negativity of perceived failure, than by the encouragement of real achievement.

Don’t get me wrong, it is not as if I walk about rehearsing my mistakes. That would be a different issue, better reflected upon in another setting. However, I am very aware of the difficulty of extending grace to myself when I need it. I am also aware that I am not alone. That is why accepting God’s grace in times of failure becomes so important. It allows us to move on and, more importantly, allows God to redeem our imperfections.

The Apostle Paul, reflecting on his own struggles, shared God’s revelation to him. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, he writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

God’s grace is sufficient. There are no qualifiers, no distinctions. In every circumstance, God’s grace is enough. More than just forgiveness, it is an expression of God’s power to transform our weaknesses into demonstrations of divine love and strength. Rather than cringing at our mistakes, we can open them to healing power of a loving God, who defines us by our identity in Christ and his perfection.

God does not merely paint over our faults so that everything looks good on the outside. Instead, God remakes us, using even mistakes to form us into the image of Christ, and reveal the power of his love. It is an amazing gift God gives to us, which we can then give to ourselves and others.

So, today, let’s agree to give ourselves some grace. If God thinks we are worthy of it, who are we to disagree. We will continue on the road to perfection, but we will travel more lightly when we trade the baggage of our mistakes for the amazing grace of God.

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I try embrace the guidance of the well-known axiom, “if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” It is typically a good standard to live by if you want to live peaceably with others, and make a positive impact on the world. It was in this truth that I wrestled while you waited for another update from me. How could I post something positive and constructive when most of what I wrote was quite the opposite?

For several months, I’ve been bombarded with ideas and comments that caused my philosophical and theological skin to crawl. Much like the distracting discomfort felt after someone mentions lice, or following a surprise encounter with a giant spider, I found myself distracted, unnerved, and, I must confess, angry at the level of the emotional terrorism, deception, and shoddy reasoning I continued to encounter. I was slightly fixated, and very frustrated.

I produced very little writing that was fit to share, though I am sure my efforts were personally cathartic. By God’s grace, I was able to preach and teach without the same concerns, but my creative writing suffered greatly. I know many people say you should blog about what makes you passionate, but there are some passions that are best to keep between yourself and God.

Throughout this season, I continued to reflect on King David’s heart, as he navigated his way through difficult seasons by opening his heart to God, and expressing himself openly in that relationship. I was especially drawn to the words of Psalm 63, “When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on you in the night watches. Because you have been my help, therefore in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind you, your right hand upholds me.” (Ps. 63:6-8).

It is all too easy to throw our anger and frustration out in the world. We may even feel quite justified in our actions, but such actions can often become accelerent on an already raging fire, wounding others in the process. Often, the best place to pour out those deep emotions is to the One who knows and understands them even before we speak, and who is able to heal us as he leads us to share such healing with others.

I still get frustrated, even a little angry. Some of the issues will be there for a while, but I am surrendering those struggles into the hands of the God who orders my steps, declares the end from the beginning, and calls me friend. The invitation to take this step greets me every day, every moment, and it is there for you as well. Together, as we place our focus on Christ, chaos will lose its grip, and we will experience more of the abundant life Jesus gives.

What can you surrender today, that will make room for more of God’s peace in your life?

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