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Day 117: God Doesn't Make Mistakes


July 10, 2020


Bob Ross was a painter and art instructor who hosted a TV show called “The Joy of Painting” from 1983 to 1994.  He would begin his program with a blank canvas and by the time he finished a beautiful painting was created, right before the viewers’ eyes.  I remember the first few times I watched this process, I had my doubts about how the painting would turn out.  But after a few episodes, I was a believer.  He would brush and dab at the canvas, instructing others how to follow along, and he never seemed to falter or lack inspiration.  If he made a mistake he would always say, “There are no mistakes, just happy little accidents.”  Then he would use it to create something that was not a part of his original plan, but always just flowed right in to the finished piece.  What I liked about watching Bob Ross was that he really did find joy in painting.  I am sure he was proud of his finished masterpieces, but he truly enjoyed the process of creating them.  And when a “happy little accident” occurred in his process, he did not trash the whole painting, he figured out how to work around it and let it make the painting better.   Each unexpected or unwelcome circumstance that occurs in our life is part of God’s greater plan.  I have seen God use difficulties to bring victories.  I am a believer in His process.  God does not make mistakes.  Maybe the mishaps that we cause in our own lives are just “happy little accidents” that He uses to complete his masterpiece. (We are the masterpiece.)  Romans 8:28 (NIV) says:  “ 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.”  James 1:2-4 (ESV) says:  “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  Find joy in the testing of your faith!  Smile and be joyful! 

An upbeat song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xckDgX8xNfg

A mesmerizing Bob Ross video if you have time:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87MMbN1bQCs


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