God overrules our mistakes for his glory. Of course, this is no blank check to do as we please. Nor is it denying that there will be sad and ongoing consequences from our mistakes. But at the end of the day, God can turn everything—the good and the bad—for the benefit of his own glory and for our good.
The Journey // Focus: Genesis 20:2-3
Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace. But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!”
The great hymn writer and pastor, John Newton, wrote, “We serve a gracious Master who knows how to overrule even our mistakes to His glory and our own advantage.” Thank God.
By the way, Newton knew what he was talking about. He was formerly a profligate and slave-trader, treating human beings in the most inhumane and unspeakable ways, simply because of the color of their skin—until God took hold of him, redeeming and repurposing his evil life for a good life that has been lifting the world over for centuries. Neither sinner nor saint can listen to Newton’s most famous work, Amazing Grace, without becoming suddenly and powerfully aware of the mighty grace of God against the backdrop of their own utter unworthiness. (Read a brief biography of John Newton here)
God overrules our mistakes for his glory. Of course, this is no blank check to do as we please. Nor is it denying that there will be sad and ongoing consequences from our mistakes. But at the end of the day, God can turn everything—the good and the bad—for the benefit of his own glory and for our good.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
When you are called by God, and when you love God, you cannot lose. You might come through it battered and bruised—self-inflicted wounds from sinful actions and short-sighted decisions—but in the end, and even along the way, you win.
Such is the case with Abraham in this chapter. His nagging fear overcame the stellar faith that has made him noteworthy to God and man in the previous eight chapters that have brought us to this moment Genesis 20. Apparently, his wife Sarah, who technically is his half-sister, is a very beautiful woman—even as she advances in age. And Abraham’s faith, yes the same faith that has led God to credit it as righteousness, has given way to fear—a recurring fear of being killed because of her looks (he thinks others will bump him off so they can take her as their own). So Abraham fudges, stretching the truth in a humanistic plan to protect his life.
Sure enough, it looks like his fear will become reality. (Job 3:25) King Abimelech sees the beautiful Sarah and desires her. That’s when Abraham implements his survival plan—a plan, obviously, which doesn’t say much about the value of Sarah in her husband’s eyes at this point in the development of his faith. But as the story goes, God steps in and saves the day, along with the honor of this cast of characters—the beautiful Sarah, the clueless king, and the fearful patriarch.
God saves the day! He does that a lot, you know. Sometimes several times throughout our day. It’s pretty much a full-time job for him. Of course, there are consequences. Of course, this is no “Get Out of Jail Free” card. But isn’t this a comfort to our soul?
If we properly understand God’s overruling work, we will give every effort to walk in his ways, to follow in faith while rebuffing fear, and to trust in him with all our heart while refusing to lean on our own understanding. Yes, God can overrule our mistakes, but how much better would it be if he didn’t have to!