Can God Really “Bless My Mess”? Let’s Talk About It
You’ve probably heard the familiar phrase, “God can’t bless your mess!” I’ve heard this many times before and seemingly agreed with the statement. I think the point the phrase is trying to convey is that we need to essentially get our lives together in order for God to bless us.
While the sentiment of that phrase may encourage people to sort through their sin issues, I am not convinced it’s the most accurate statement and essentially put limits on our Heavenly Father. What I do know is that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His will. There are countless stories in the Bible of people like you and me who failed daily, yet God, in His rich grace and mercy, used them to accomplish great things and blessed them along the way.
What I do know is that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His will.
Let’s Take a Look at Paul: Not Exactly on the Straight and Narrow Road
I thought about the “bless my mess” phrase in the context of many great leaders in the Bible and the Lord brought Paul’s story to my mind. Paul, who was also known as Saul, persecuted the church, terribly. Acts 8:3 says, “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” In fact, in Acts 9, we find Paul on the road to a city called Damascus to capture more Christians to persecute...BUT GOD literally stopped him in his tracks!
You see, Paul was in the very midst of a mess, intent on sinning when the bright light shined from above and he encountered Jesus on that road to Damascus. After this encounter, the Bible tells us that he was blinded for three days and when he arrived in Damascus, the Lord had already spoken to a man named Ananias about meeting with Saul. Ananias was eventually obedient when the Lord told him His plans for Saul’s life. God told him “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15) Ananias went and laid his hands on Saul and “Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.” (Acts 9:18) From this point forward, Saul’s life was radically transformed for the better. Paul became one of the most influential apostles in spreading the gospel of Christ.
Paul’s story didn’t start out perfectly. He was squarely in a mess—but God chose to show him mercy and blessed his life. God had a plan and a purpose that far exceeded the mess Paul was in.
God had a plan and a purpose that far exceeded the mess Paul was in.
I could think of many other examples, like Sarah disobeying, doubting, and even laughing (Genesis 18:12-15) at God about conceiving a baby, but eventually, God blessed her to be a “mother of nations” and future kings were her descendants (Genesis 17:16). Gideon also doubted God’s call on his life, repeatedly asked for tangible signs from God, and made excuses instead of trusting and following the Lord's guidance immediately. Yet, God was merciful to him, and he did great things in God’s name (Judges 6-8). He was even mentioned among the great leaders of faith in Hebrews 11.
Just Face it—You’re Not Perfect
You see, sometimes we get so bogged down with the idea of being perfect that we fail to see that God can literally stop us in our tracks and turn our lives around. Maybe you’re in a place where you are waiting to cross every “t” or dot every “i” before you join a church, or do something God has clearly told you to do. Maybe you’re thinking you are too far-gone—squandered too many relationships, jobs, or opportunities that you don’t feel God can use you or bless you in any way. Or maybe you’ve just fallen out of fellowship with God—you're you’re not praying like you should, you’re not meditating on the Word, or you’re simply rushing through a morning devotional with no lasting impact on your life. Sometimes we get focused on other “lesser gods” in the midst of a problem and we feel like we can’t get back to God. But please don’t discount the love and grace of your Heavenly Father. Trust that God’s plans are bigger than any "mess" you may be in. Because trust me, we all get ourselves into a mess sometimes but the Lord can turn your life around. He can bless you beyond what you can ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20-21). In fact, He can use that mess you are in and make it work out for His glory if you surrender to His will.
...please don’t discount the love and grace of your Heavenly Father. Trust that God’s plans are bigger than any mess you may be in.
Hold on Now, Don’t Abuse the Grace of God
Now, let me be clear. I am not saying continue in known sin and abuse the grace of God. Paul says in Romans 6:1a, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” Strive to live a life pleasing to God. Strive to be who Christ called you to be. Strive to live out your life like a believer who worships God in spirit and in truth. But know that we are certainly not perfect. We fail daily and should have a repentant heart and ask Christ for forgiveness. While Jesus is rich in grace in mercy, know that there are also consequences to sin. Sometimes you may not experience your blessing right away due to sin. And, sometimes our disobedience causes outright denial of our blessings. But we should continue to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord, trusting that God has an ultimate plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).
Strive to live a life pleasing to God. Strive to be who Christ called you to be.
Testify!
Oftentimes people think that Christians are so perfect or that leaders in ministry go from blessing to blessing, but that is certainly not the case. You see, Paul understood that people needed to hear and see what it took for him to be who he was in Christ. He said in I Timothy 1:12-15,
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
When God changes your life or shows you unmerited favor and grace, testify! Your testimony may be a life-saving blessing to someone who thinks they are too far-gone to even continue living. Your testimony could motivate someone to turn back to Christ and create that ministry or that business that will bless thousands. Don’t discount the value of your story. There are many ways to testify. Maybe standing up and speaking before a large crowd seems daunting to you. Well tell your story to a co-worker who is going through a difficult situation. Write about your story online or in print. Pick up the phone and encourage a family member or friend. Whatever you do, just open your mouth and testify about how God brought you from that "mess" and worked it (or is currently working) things out for good.
When God changes your life or shows you unmerited favor and grace, testify!
Can God Really Bless My Mess?
So, can God really bless you in your mess? I believe so. Are there consequences for sin messes and disobedience? Absolutely! But like Paul, Sarah, Gideon, and many other flawed, imperfect people in the Bible, God can extend mercy and use you in a mighty way when you choose to surrender to His will. If you feel like you are in a “mess” right now, take a moment and cry out to God:
“God, I know I am in a mess right now, but what are you showing me in the midst of this situation?”
“God, am I running from you? Is there something you want me to do but I’ve clearly gone down the wrong path?”
“Lord, I am deep in my own way; I’ve lost sight of my purpose. I feel like I am too far out of your presence. Bring me back to you, Heavenly Father. Forgive me of my sins. I surrender to Your will.”
As you pour your heart our to the Lord, know that you are not perfect my friend! There is only one perfect person—Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him and strive to live a life pleasing to your Heavenly Father, one step, one day, one minute at a time.
Blog post written by: Meredith B.L. Anderson, Ph.D.
