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Across the Pastor’s Desk by George Marin

Recently, I was typing a response to a message I read from a ministry colleague. I really liked his content, and it spoke deeply to me. So, in my hasty response and not-so-great typing, I wrote, “That is goof stuff!”

Bam … a simple mistake. But even one little mistake can change the content and context of the situation. When I read it, I had to laugh. It wasn’t a big deal, but there is a big difference between “good” and “goof!”

My mind immediately went to the book of Genesis and the creation account of the beginning of all things concerning God the Creator, creation and human life.

Here is what is recorded in Genesis 1:21:

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.”

Everything God does is very good. Everything to which he sets his hand has the best intention of his heart for the good of humankind. His heart is for his people and all that he’s created. When he examined the creation he had made, he saw that it was very good — not just good, but very good.

We are the ones who goof up, but God never does. Don’t ever let a goof-up ruin your day, much less ruin your entire life.

We, as humans, are all susceptible to failure, but God never fails. Don’t let your mistakes become your identity.

Don’t let your past failures become your permanent patterns. Don’t let people permanently tag you as tainted goods because of some past mistakes.

Look upon yourself today as the very creation of God. Understand and own the truth that God created you for a personal relationship with him and for a great purpose.

Keep plugging away in the best way you know how.

You’ll have to, of course, correct at times, but always remember that God is with you.

I love you — I’m in your corner.

George Marin is a pastor at Grace Christian Church in Albert Lea.