The Missteps of Life

By Iris Nelson March 31, 2016 Character, Devotion

“Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.”
(John 13:36-38 ESV)

We sometimes have missteps in life. However God can use those missteps in life for the greater good.

As I was trying to photograph some flowers in our backyard for my current photography class the sun kept going in and out. I was starting to get frustrated, but then I looked up. The sun was behind some clouds and the sun-rays were making a wonderful pattern.

So, I abandoned my bushes to capture the clouds and sun. I dialed in my exposure to take the shot. However, I forgot to set my white balance properly. OOPS. When I pulled up the images on my computer I actually liked the photograph with the incorrect white balance. The one with the proper white balance was boring and looked more like a black and white photograph.

Simon Peter had all the intention to follow Jesus, no matter what may happen. However, Jesus knew Peter’s future. He knew that He would deny Him before others. No once, but trice.

But we also know that God used Peter’s weakness for the greater good and to further His kingdom. Only weeks later Peter preached a sermon at Pentecost. He was filled with the Spirit of God and many people started believing the Jesus was the Messiah.

As God used Peter, He will also use us to further His kingdom. We just need to be willing to listen to His Spirit.

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

Lord of mercy and grace. Thank You for using even our missteps in life to further Your kingdom. May our hearts and mind be willing to listen to Your Spirit. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen