I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Tim. 1:16)

If God shows mercy to people who have messed up as badly as the Apostle Paul (and David, and Abraham, and Gideon, and Peter, and the whole host of Biblical “heroes”) then, there is hope of for us – even when there are messes in our background, too. 

One of the leaders of our church was shattered by a series of events that destroyed his business, his children’s security, his community’s esteem, and ultimately his health. As he left church one day, he paused at the door with weary and watery eyes to say, “Pastor, now I’m just a zero.”

Much of the man’s status had been reduced to nothing in the world’s eyes, but our church was also watching. As this faithful man responded to his trials without bitterness, his children awoke from the nominal faith of their former affluence. Our church leadership also became attentive to his counsel when economic hardship rocked our entire community. 

Families fractured by loss were healed by the experienced care of this man and his loving wife. The “zero” became such a hero of God’s grace that this pastor realizes he would not have been prepared for his own trials, or perhaps have remained in ministry, without the grace displayed in one who thought so little of himself. 

Failure is never the final chapter of lives turned to hope by a greater grace! God will patiently work his plan for eternal purposes. Wait patiently for him, trusting Jesus until his perfect will is done.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for Christ’s patience with me. Please give me patience for his perfect will to be done, trusting the love that sent him will rescue me and use me for eternity.