Devotions from Judy’s heart
Aren’t we glad that the Lord doesn’t dismiss us because we make mistakes? All of us must admit we have made many of them and there are times I am reminded of something I did that was really not good. How I wish I had a chance to do it over and choose the right way, the right words, the right attitude. There are times we may be given a second chance when we have blown it, and John Mark was one of them. He was a quitter and didn’t follow through but fortunately he learned through his mistake. I was reading from the book of Acts how Paul and Barnabas took John Mark with them on their first missionary journey. John Mark didn’t last long and at their second stop, he left them and returned to Jerusalem. Scripture doesn’t say why he left and we could wonder if he got homesick or ill or wasn’t ready for such a big commitment. We don’t know. Barnabas was his uncle and later suggested they take him on another missionary journey but Paul flatly refused and called him a deserter who lacked courage. Mark ended up going with Barnabas who encouraged him and later on he also again joined Paul who came to respect him. That tells us John Mark learned valuable lessons and didn’t dwell on his past.
 What about us? Do we think we have committed so many blunders that God can’t use us and we have to be put on the shelf? Barnabas evidently didn’t think that about John Mark who later wrote the book of Mark. Scripture is full of other examples of those who flubbed up big and yet they learned from their mistakes and went on to accomplish great things for His kingdom. But God tells us in Isaiah 41:13 (The Message), “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” And even when we make mistakes and fail, He will forgive us and help us up again.
Challenge for today: The next time you make a mistake, ask forgiveness and then get up and get going.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy