When Things Go Wrong

When things go wrong, do you go with them?

A group of us are reading Bob Goff’s humorous book Love Does. Through Bob’s stories, you understand that he simply sees the world as one big opportunity. He talks about God working in every story because he thinks God is always working in his life.

I love the statement at the beginning of chapter four: “I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but know I‘m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.”

Bob goes on to tell a comical story about getting fired while working as a waiter. To bolster his wounded ego, he recalled some wisdom from his grandma; “You’re nothing until you’ve been fired once or twice.”

Failure and success are a part of our lives. And most of our failures are not fatal. Although, at the moment, you may be embarrassed beyond words at something foolish that you did, chances are it will soon be forgotten – at least by others. You have to give yourself the same privilege and put it behind you.

Even when things go wrong you can do right. The worst thing you can do is not be true to the best of what you know.

Consider what a first century Christ follower wrote, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it,” (James 4:17, New International Version).

Ralph Sockman’s advice is fitting. “Give the best that you have to the highest you know.”

The good news is God can be found in our failures, not just in our successes. It’s like Bob says, “The things that go wrong can shape us or scar us.”

When things go wrong you don’t have to go with them. The time is always right to do the right thing. You and I have a choice whether we are shaped or scared.

What is the right thing for you to do today?