[03/12/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 06/05/2012 (Edited some.)]
Some learning comes easy. Some comes with much study. Some is quite enjoyable. Some can be painful. However it comes the important thing to consider is, are we learning something. Though I am not suggesting we try to make more, do we recognize that even the making of mistakes is not necessarily a sign of failure, but rather a learning opportunity? Someone has said, “The only complete mistake is the mistake from which we learn nothing.” [original source unknown] Think about that. Though we may not be able to avoid making mistakes in life, let us not make them so completely that we have failed to learn something.
Even things we suffer through can be learning experiences. Do they draw our attention toward God? Do they draw us to look into the encouraging promises of His Word? Do they cause us to grow more in our faith in spite of not fully understanding the why of the situation?
In the 119th psalm we read. . .
“(71) It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” (Psalm 119:71 ESV)
The New Living Translation reads: “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.” [NLT, © 2007, Tyndale House Publishers.]
Have we experienced that benefit? When things are going well, sometimes we forget to keep our focus there.
A few verses earlier we read. . .
“(67) Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” (Psalm 119:67 ESV)
The afflictions and challenges of life ought to remind us of our need for God and the direction of His Word. One of the things Paul learned through his varied experiences and situations was contentment. (Philippians 4:11) What a blessing to embrace as we truly trust in our relationship with God!
When facing our mistakes or life’s afflictions and trials, perhaps instead of wasting time and energy bemoaning them, we would be better off to seek God’s wisdom in looking for the lessons we are to learn from the experiences. Then, rather than hiding behind the door of a pity party for ourselves, we will be opening the door for further growth. May God keep our attention focused toward Him, whatever it takes!
Have a great day AS A GOOD LEARNER LOOKING TO GOD!
Carl
