Have you ever made a bad impression or put your foot in your mouth in a social setting? I’m blessed to share COVID quarantine with the same amazing people that I love. There is a problem with surrounding ourselves by people who can finish our sentences; our social and communication skills get rusty. I’ve recently joined a couple of online groups to sharpen my professional skills over Zoom. Since this time, I’ve said something awkward more than once, noticing that I need to get out more and be around others who sharpen me as well as those I love.
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]
Proverbs 27:17
Judgment and Ability
This experience helped me to remember that we judge one another using various criteria. Some decide they don’t like you at the beginning, so they look for anything to validate their opinion. Others try to get a gauge on you, but you give the wrong impression, and you have to work to change it. The most important thing I remembered is that God’s approval is more important than any person’s. When my heart, intent, and actions don’t please him, I have nothing lasting, nothing steady; I’m tossed by the wind. After I get that straight, I need to be wise to remember that new people don’t know me; I need to show who I am before I can get my point across. God is willing and able to help me with this too.
We are assured and know that [[a]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
Romans 8:28
Creative Creator
When I was making a scripture confession the other day, I realized that this familiar scripture could even apply to something like wrong first impressions. The scripture is an oldie, but a goodie from Romans 8:28. In it, God assures us that he can work all together in my life for his design and purpose. Even if I make a mistake, he is a creative creator and can make it work for my good. Even if I cast this bad or erroneous impression, it may take time to change minds. If someone gossips or backbites me, God will be a partner my our labor for him and will creatively work it out. I may have to deal with some consequences, I may have to work a little harder, but God can use it for the good of his plan for my life, and nothing is impossible with him.
For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible.”
Luke 1:37
God Is Bigger Than My Mistakes
So today, I confess that God is bigger than my mistakes. He’s able to make even the most helpless of errors right. He has the creative power to work for them for good. I may have to pray extra, work a little harder, concentrate more, but God can help. Romans 8:28 says that he partners with us. I’ve been claiming this; I can see right now how it’s going in the right direction because God is partnering with me to use the situation to write this blog and help others. There is hope if you do something stupid, if you say something or do something you shouldn’t. No mistake is bigger than God’s grace.
