Even Lemons Can Turn to Glory

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

We all make mistakes, mess up, and fail sometimes. Following God isn’t about being perfect; it’s about quickly leaning on Him when we mess up and create detours, disappointments, and delays. God is full of mercy and can even take our problems — sometimes ones we cause — and still use them for His glory. Even when we make a wrong turn, God doesn’t abandon us. He reroutes us with His mercy and kindness.Paul had a greater heart for Israel to be saved than he did for fulfilling the assignment that God gave him. That passion was misplaced because he ignored divine warnings from God and ended up in prison for two years. Did God use it? Absolutely, but it wasn’t God’s first plan. God’s goodness is not an excuse for us to keep missing His will. His mercy doesn’t mean our flesh was right in what we did; it simply means that He is merciful.Sometimes Christians mistakenly say things like “well, it all worked out, so it must have been God’s will in the first place.” No, that’s not what it means. Now, God can take a lemon and make lemonade that brings Him glory. He will turn even our missteps and mistakes for His glory if we are quick to repent and turn to Him, but that doesn’t excuse stepping out of His perfect will.

Practical Application

Don’t spiritualize your fleshly decisions to follow what you wanted to do instead of what God asked you to do. If you miss it, be quick to repent and turn to God. Even amid our consequences, God can bring His glory.

1 Peter 5:10; Romans 8:35