Right Choice, Wrong Outcome

When you try to do the right thing, and it turns out all wrong, it can be one of the most disheartening experiences in life. We set out with good intentions, hoping to make a positive impact, only to see our efforts lead to unintended consequences. This is a common experience, even among believers who strive to follow God's will.

Consider Moses, who saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and stepped in to help. His intention was to defend his fellow Hebrew, but he ended up killing the Egyptian and had to flee for his life (Exodus 2:11-15). Moses wanted to do the right thing, but the outcome was not what he had hoped for. Another example is Peter, who vowed to stand by Jesus no matter what. Yet, in a moment of fear, he denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). Peter's heart was in the right place, but his actions did not align with his intentions.

These biblical stories show that even those who are close to God can experience moments where their efforts to do good don't turn out as planned. This can be incredibly frustrating and confusing. I recall a time when I tried to help a friend in need, only to make the situation worse. My intentions were pure, but my actions didn't have the desired effect. It left me feeling disappointed and questioning my ability to make a positive difference.

In times like these, it's important to remember the encouragement found in Scripture. Romans 8:28 assures us that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God." Even when our efforts seem to fail, God is still at work, using our experiences for a greater purpose. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." When things go wrong, trusting in God's wisdom and plan is crucial.

These experiences, though painful, can teach us valuable lessons. They remind us of our need for humility and dependence on God. They can also be opportunities for growth, helping us develop patience, perseverance, and a deeper faith. It's essential to view these moments not just as failures, but as steps in our spiritual journey.

Practically, when things don't go as planned, we can cope by turning to prayer, seeking God's guidance, and finding comfort in His presence. Talking with fellow believers can provide support and perspective. It's also helpful to reflect on what went wrong, learn from our mistakes, and make adjustments for the future. Continuing to seek God's guidance and being willing to try again is vital.

In conclusion, when you try to do the right thing and it turns out all wrong, it can be disheartening. However, these moments are part of our journey with God. They teach us to trust in His plan, grow in our faith, and rely on His wisdom. Remember that God can use all our experiences, even those that seem like failures, for His greater purpose and our good. Keep trusting Him, learning from your experiences, and moving forward in faith.

Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling.  I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, Ephesians 3:7-8, and Colossians 1:28-29. In my retirement, I focus on studying and teaching God’s Word. Besides writing this Blog I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com