Try the latest Words of Life as Spotify Podcasts.

Tip: To see latest Words of Life, use Refine Search to list by Year. If using Mobile device, Refine Search may be located at end of page.

We would all love to be effortlessly in a constant state of joy, peace and hope. The reality in this imperfect world is that mistakes happen and tribulations can occur. Apostle Paul urges us not to despair at those times but to reframe the events, learn from them and grow in experience and faith.

An old story from the business world highlights this concept – The new person in an office was inexperienced but had a great desire to do well. Wanting to avoid the pitfalls of failure he went to an experienced and successful worker to ask, “How can I make a go of it in this company?” The experienced worker answered, “Make the right decisions.” Not finding this helpful, the new worker asked again, “How do I make the right decisions?” Again, the experienced worker answered simply, “Experience!” “But how do I get experience?” said the new worker. “That is easy,” said the older man, “make the wrong decisions.”

The good news from this story, when applied to our spiritual journey, is that Jesus works with those who make and acknowledge mistakes. Paul confirmed that process to the Corinthians as above, but Jesus lived the example with His Apostles. He did not choose experienced preachers to share the gospel but those who had to learn Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

One of the most relevant examples of needing to progress from tribulation (mistakes) through experience to hope is that of the Apostle Peter. Jesus initially confirmed he had some strength as indicated in his name, Petra (meaning rock / strong) and Peter boldly proclaimed that he would follow Jesus anywhere. Unfortunately, his decisions then led him to denying Christ three times. Following the resurrection, when Jesus came to his disciples at the sea of Tiberius, Peter must have expected to be sacked from his calling. Would he need to go back to his old vocation of fishing? By Grace, the opposite occurred, and Jesus told him three times to feed My lambs / sheep (see John Chapter 21). Having made his mistakes and learned by experience, Peter then was given great hope which he shared freely. With his first sermon to the Jewish nation, then to the Samaritans and ultimately through Cornelius to the gentiles, Peter was given the blessing of being used by Christ to share this hope.

Jesus works with those who makes mistakes. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.