Lessons in grace, humility, and relationships when you hit the rocks

Have you ever felt like you "hit the rocks"? When you make a mistake or do something you wish you had not done? When do you want to? Could you turn the clock back for a few seconds? When you hit the "send" button and wish you had not? When you have a great plan laid out, and because of something you did, you must change it? Yes, gents, living testimony – we all screw up sometimes.

This past week, we had a great example of how certain events can change quickly and, as a result, redirect your course or plan without warning. You think you have a plan, and suddenly, it changes instantly. BOOM, you "hit the rocks." In this instance, it was literally a boat that rocks! When a boat hits the rocks, it is not a good thing. Everything stops!! Yes, STOPS! I took an annual weeklong boat trip with friends, and the plan instantly changed. What now? How do we get off the rocks? Who will fix the props? How long will it take? What about our plan? How do you face up to saying, "Yes, I screwed up"? 

The past week's events provided great learnings into God's work even when we "hit the rocks" in life. Taking unfortunate events and realizing yes, God never gives up on us. God can and does transform our screw-ups into meaningful lessons and experiences.

Lesson 1:

When you need help, ask for it. When you make a mistake, admit it. Fesse up. You are where you are. You cannot change it. Put on your "big boy pants"!

As men, we can or should figure it out independently or never make mistakes. Sometimes, we even try to hide it because of the culprit we all know as PRIDE. When you hit the rocks in a boat, you have no choice but to be vulnerable and show humility. You are going nowhere without saying - I need some help"!

"But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9

"A person who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if that person confesses and forsakes those mistakes, another chance is given" Proverbs 28:13

Lesson 2:

Valued Relationships – We have talked often in the Fist Bump about investing in and building meaningful, trusted relationships with others in our lives. You can call those friends and say HELP, I need you, and you know they will come instantly—those friends who you know will have your back, even when you screw up.

Friends like that came into action this past week. Instantly, when "on the rocks," they did not judge; they did not say, "Hey, it's your problem," and they helped beyond anyone's expectations. They showed unconditional love and support. They displayed, in real time, God's grace. We all need relationships like that in our lives. No doubt, we all will "hit the rocks" sometime. Who will you call and say, HELP, I need you? Who will you provide support to when a friend calls you? 

"A friend loves at ALL times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 or "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for a friend. John 15:13

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Lesson 3:

God is ALWAYS at work. The events that followed the "rock" experience showed how God is always at work. If not for the rock experience, the opportunity to share with another guy about having a personal relationship with Jesus would not have happened. God used the rock event to hopefully draw another person closer to Him. It is a great reminder that even in what seems to be bad situations, God has a bigger picture and may have a different plan in mind.

"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

Gents, we all need to learn from our mistakes. Every mistake can be a teaching moment if we allow it to be. God uses our mistakes to build our character and hopefully draw us closer to HIM and others around us. Can we all keep this verse front and center in all situations, even when on the "rocks"?

"For I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

Have a great week, men, and watch out for those "rocks"!