And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

. (Romans 8:28) The Bible is full of failures. We can begin with the first human beings in Genesis all the way through the churches in Revelation. With all the god intentions of man, we fail miserably without God's grace. Abraham messed up . . . Moses failed and lacked confidence . . . David was after God's very heart yet he could not always control his lustful desires . . . Peter could not beleive he did the things he did after being so bold for the Messiah . . . and Paul was the self-confessing chief sinner of us all! However, God caused these men's failures to be put to good use as training material because they were eager to mature and serve. God doesn't reward rebellion or wrongdoing. Yet, by His grace, He blesses those who choose repentance and embrace chastisement as a tool for growth. As we read from David (Psalm 51) and (Psalm 32), we see what a true repentant heart looks like. David embraces God's discipline and ruly admits his sinful ways. He does not blame others, the devil, or his weak human nature. It was me he writes. I sinned . . . against You God! Please do not give up on me. . . Please restore me . . . can you still use me in any way? Can you hear the Spirit calling us all to embrace Him and seek His face? Can you hear the heart of our Savior breaking with ours and offering His grace? God can still use every one of us to His glory. If He can use me, He can use anyone. May our heart break for what breaks God's heart . . . His will be done in you and me!