Make Your Mess Your Message

Disqualified or Equipped?

It is pretty well known that we learn much more from our failures and mistakes that we ever do from our successes. But learning is often painful and we are anxious to put it behind us as soon as possible.

Well-meaning friends tell us to "get over it and move on" -- And in our eagerness to forget the shame and regret, the precious learning can get buried and forgotten.

No one wants to be known for bad decisions or failed attempts at anything, whether it involves a divorce, a job loss, a financial setback -- or any number of other unfortunate events. And so we may rarely talk about it.

But what if we're supposed to share our painful lessons for the benefit of others?

The  most inspiring funerals or "celebrations of life" usually include accolades about how the deceased gave his or her life in service to others. No one is ever celebrated for their selfishness or their secrets.

The older you get, and the wiser you get, the more you have to share and invest in other people. Somewhere there is someone who needs to know what you know. Investing in another person's life is the greatest gift you have to give.

Could your legacy be saving others from your mistakes?

Have you ever looked back on something and said to yourself "If only I'd known.." or "I wish someone had told me..."(?)

What if you are supposed to be that person? That special someone who is brave enough and humble enough to talk about your heartaches and failures for the benefit of others.

You may think that all your mistakes and failures disqualify you from ever giving anyone advice. But what if it's exactly the opposite? Your hardships make you uniquely equipped to help another person avoid your pitfalls.

For we know that all things work together for the good of those that love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Perhaps Romans 8:28 was written to you and for you in a way that you never imagined.

It may be that the "working for good" in your life does not foster success as the world knows it -- but is actually so much better. It could be a lasting, eternal, spiritual success that you may never know about on this side of eternity.

God may want to use your failure to foster the success of someone else. It may not be like you thought, or how you planned it, but nothing is wasted when you trust Him. And in doing so, you'll have peace in the end, knowing that your life -- all of your life -- mattered, one way or another.

Let the ruins come to life
In the beauty of Your Name
Rising up from the ashes
God forever You reign...

(Glorious Ruins, Hillsong Live)

I have a song for everything.

Glorious Ruins by Hillsong  Live
 Save my Life by Sidewalk Prophets