condemnation Archives - Sherry Stahl

Have You Ever Blown It?

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:17 ESV

Have you ever blown it? Ever seriously, made a really bad mistake? Said the wrong thing at the wrong time that brought hurt to someone you love? Dropped the ball and ruined things? Messed up on your morals and feel the sting of your mistake?

There are so many ways you can blow it and I know it, because I’m completely talking from experience here. My tendency after blowing it by doing something stupid is to beat myself up, passing the gloves over for condemnation to land some destructive blows.

I can be the worst trash talker to myself but one day God showed me how He was in the business of using people who blow it by showing me biblical examples of people who went from making mistakes to pursuing their purpose.

THE GOOD NEWS IS—
GOD GIVES SECOND CHANCES

Moses
God positioned him in the palace to fulfill his destiny as the deliverer, but he blew it.
Moses killed a man and ran away into the desert for 40 years.
God gave him a second chance, and then…
Moses got to lead the same people out of slavery.
Jonah
God called Jonah to reach the people of Nineveh, but he blew it.
Jonah ran away from God’s calling on his life and ended up in a BIG fish.
God gave him a second chance, and then…
Jonah preached to the people of Nineveh and they came to faith.
Samson
God appointed him to stand guard for the nation of Israel, but he blew it.
Samson broke his Nazarite vow, living rebelliously, violently and immorally.
God gave him a second chance, and then…
Samson defeated more of God’s enemies after his mistakes.
Peter
God called Peter as a disciple to follow him, but he blew it.
Peter denied Christ.
God gave him a second chance, and then…
Peter preached with boldness and thousands came to faith in Christ.
You
God has appointed you for good works to bring him glory, but you blow it.
You don’t have faith to believe God can do it through you, fall into sin, let fear immobilize you…you do what you do.

THE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU IS—
GOD GIVES YOU SECOND CHANCES

It still amazes me that God can take my mess and use it to share His message. I’m awed at how He doesn’t condemn when we ask for His forgiveness.

The devil on the other hand loves to heap on condemnation. The enemy wants you to sit and wallow in your wandering, he strives to keep you in the shame of your past mistakes; that way, he can keep you feeling low and stop you from moving forward in the plans and purposes God has for your life.

I love the words in Rend Collective’s song that echoes how, “A second chance is Heaven’s heart”.¹ Jesus didn’t come to make you feel horrible about yourself… He came to set you free not bind you up.

So, the next time you blow it, why not show some grace; ask for forgiveness, let God work in you and speak His purposes over your life. Then, move forward and watch God doing something great through you!

Father… I thank you for Your abundant grace and willingness to give me chance after chance to get things right. Help me to forgive myself in the same way You forgive me and please… let me learn from my mistakes, so I don’t keep repeating them. In Jesus Name…Amen