Let’s face it. We all do foolish things from time to time. Even pastors make mistakes.

But nothing you ever do is beyond the capacity for God to use. You may make mistakes, but God doesn’t.

The Bible says this in Romans 8:28: “We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose” (GNT).

When you make a mistake, God says, “I can fit that into my plan too. I can use it all for good.”

But this promise isn’t for everyone. The Bible doesn’t say God works everything for good for those living in rebellion against him or for those who aren’t living for God’s purposes.

This promise is for people who come to God and say, “I want to live for your purpose. Even though I make mistakes, I want to do the right thing. I want to follow and trust you.” Do that, and God will take it all and use it for his good.

And that’s a reason for joy.

Pastor, when you put your life in God’s hands, it doesn’t mean you’ll never mess up again. You’ll still make bad decisions. But God can fit it all into his plans.

There is no plan B for your life. Before you were born, God knew all the mistakes you’d make. He also knew how he’d fit those mistakes into his plan.

That means you can relax. You can stop worrying about being perfect. Do the best you can with what God has given you.

You can serve Jesus in confidence and joy, knowing God will work everything in your life (and in your ministry) into his good plans for you.