With Me, Mistakes are Made into Mountains

A clean slate, a fresh canvas. The world was at the tip of his brush. He peered at the blank canvas and knew in his heart that God would use this to change lives. One deep sigh later, his paint brushes were diving into the rich acrylic paints. The pure canvas was inundated with life. His excitement spurred him forward. His hands moved with the proficiency and experience of a seamstress, no thought was necessary—this was natural.

In his eager haste, the painter failed to wipe his utensil clean—brown drips of paint splattered against the once beautiful pale blue skies. Out of frustration, the painter tossed his paints aside and walked away. This was my chance! I know you had great plans for this painting, God. I’m just not the one for the job. I can’t believe I messed this up. “My son, you are the one I have chosen. Only you can do this. I am greater than your every mistake. With Me, mistakes are made into mountains.”

The painter picked himself off of the cold floor and walked back over to the canvas. Mistakes are made into mountains. He moved the brush skillfully back and forth. Stepping back, he gazed at his work. The painting had evolved, but this was a stunning success.

The painting is now displayed in the finest of museums, entitled “A Mountain of Mistakes.” The piece is beautifully crafted and has spoken to millions of God’s splendor and majesty. Every day, hundreds of people study the artwork . . . and not one of them notices the mistake.


We are all humans. We are all fallible. That's the bottom line. We make mistakes, and we become frustrated with ourselves at our inability to carry out the task God had given us. But God chose us to do the job, and He will see that it is completed.

I've made so many mistakes that I cannot count them on the hands of twenty people. Yet I can look back at my life, and I see the beautiful mountains God brought to life through them.

God does not require perfection from us. All He asks is that we full-heartedly serve Him. Even when our hearts are in the right place, we will still make mistakes, but God's grace has prepared a mountain.

So the next time you find yourself at the verge of throwing in the brushes, stop, thank God for His mercy and grace, and allow Him to make a beautiful mountain.

With Me, mistakes are made into mountains.