Do you ever feel like you’ve messed up beyond repair?
You know those things that weigh on your heart, the shadows of past regrets, failures and pain?
Romans 8:28 says that “God causes all things to work together for our good.” All things—that includes the hurtful decisions and the unfortunate events that are a part of your story.
How often have you looked at your past mistakes and lost hope, believing that as a result of your sin or the trauma you have experienced you have missed out on God’s call or plan for your life? Yet, that isn’t what God says about you!
The Lord takes EVERYTHING in our life and weaves it together to produce the blessing of His purpose.
So, how does God plan to redeem your story? Here are some things to consider.
- It isn’t about you. The Lord takes your mistakes and those experiences that are negative and weaves it together into the revelation of who He is so that it produces power in your future. This is possible because of WHO HE IS, not because of what WE have done. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” This includes your story—past, present and future.
- Your life is a beautiful tapestry. The Lord takes all that the enemy throws against you, all that you’ve thrown against yourself, weaving it together into a beautiful tapestry. Think about this: Jesus prayed for Peter. He didn’t pray that Peter would avoid stumbling; He prayed that after stumbling his faith would be strong and he would encourage his brothers (Luke 22:32). You know why? Jesus knew that it was far better to pray for the strengthening of Peter than to pray for the protection of Peter from his weaknesses, because the enemy would go after those weaknesses later. Your past sins and struggles are keys to your calling—ask God how you can encourage and minister His grace to others through your past.
- You can trust the Lord with your story. The devil will try to tell you that you are beyond God’s redemption, that you’ve fallen too far. Don’t give the enemy the benefit of a single minute of regret and emotional toxicity. The Lord is looking out for your best interest, all the time. He weaves together the pluses and the minuses, never doubt that. Know that He is faithful to complete the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6).
Remember this: a negative and a positive must combine to produce power.
Redeem your story! Bring your burdens before the Lord in faith, and say, “Father, I thank you that You redeem all things, and that You are so brilliant You can work this into Your blueprint for my life and for my family, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Question: What is your story? How has the Lord worked things—the positive and the negative—together for your good? Comment below!
As One!
Lance
As always, beyond encouraging, sometime its hard to remember its not ever about us, its about what Jesus is about, we do not get to leave our remenents scatered about, what a mess that would be.
Reminds me to leave the laundry list and take out the Praise list. Wrap myself in His Grace and Mercy.
Thank you for being that voice in this journey, have a perspective and want to collaberate on 7 mountain
culture.
Lance, I love how you said it takes a negative and a positive to produce power. I so agree with your post. I am writing a book about my journey with my daughter who was diagnosed with autism at age 5, yet her gifting is off the charts. The journey was mostly awful, with us hearing God so clearly in the midst and worst of it, that this book is coming forth. God orchestrates everything from beginning to end. What He has done in our lives is incredible. Thank you for all you share with us!
Lance,
I had inquired at (GZI) on how to write my book on adultery in a way not to hurt those around me as it is my story. Today I got my reply and today you just confirmed that reply. I am so very grateful for you and your family and the ministry I have followed 7 mtns for many years. Your words, prayer walks and kingdom living is where I walk also! I am a overcomer! Blessings to all of you!
You might find encouragement from a testimony of a good friend of mine. She has a blog – Hope for the Hope Challenged and has just put out a book (to be published on the 9th October) called “Connecting the Dots of a Disconnected Life”. While there is no adultery, she has had a very difficult life and talks about things that are not often discussed publicly. Praise God for His faithfulness. This short message immediately reminded me of her testimony.
I also continually need a reminder of God’s love for me. Oh how forgetful we fickle humans are. Praise God for His faithfulness and never-ending love.
Lance, do you have more teaching on this subject or others you recommend. Tia.
First Lance I thank you for your down to earth teaching. I had the privilege of hearing you a few years ago at The Embassy in Oshawa, ON.
After being divorced for 13 years, and neither of us remarrying, the Lord brought my husband and I back together. We have now been married the second time for almost 17 years. We were married for 25 years before the divorce. Never say never!!!! Because you really ‘never’ know what God is up to.
Blessings to you
Carole
I like what you said that both the negative and positive makes power. That seems profound – how many of us realize that the two together gives us power. We usually want to leave the negative behind and focus on positive, hoping we will get to the new place with that only. I need more power in my life and understand now how that can be increased. Thanks for the teaching.☺️
Since I believe that God is working all things together for my good, I can let go of any fears about the outcome. This frees me to open my mind to the lessons He’s trying to teach me, and to give thanks in all circumstances as we have been commanded (1 Thess 5:18). Even when life is especially difficult, I trust that he has a reason for allowing it. This trust helps me look back and see all the times when I felt disappointed about something, but it turned out to be a blessing in the end.
Great post! I was just having a day like you described where I was feeling some regrets and wondering how God could use me after all of my failures. This is an on time word for me and confirmation that the Lord was listening. I trust him to turn my scars into stars as only He can.
Oh Lance, I happen to be Armenian and lately I am finding out I also have Jewish roots….:) wow, what can I say , The Genocide or The Holocaust…Born in Istanbul, Turkey. My grandparents, parents and I have sooo much rich history, even my son which he happens to be 19. Yes, I will write my books, make movies and also share my testimony with 1000s of audience for His Kingdom. You have been very inspiritional and encouraging with your wisdom. I praise our Maker for bringing you into my journey to establish His Kingdom together.
Blessings and Shalom to you Lance
His
Tatiana Zoe’
Dear Lance,
I have saved everyone of your post. They are such a blessing to me. Holy Spirit is great He knows what we need when we need to hear His truths the most. You are very sensitive to His leading. I am very thankful for your ministry.
Love,
Hilda