There are many things that only God can do, but sometimes a lot of people don’t believe that. Because God gave all of us free will, it seems we can make poor choices or bad decisions. And sometimes those choices can cause us to make a real mess of everything in our lives.

The church sign read “only God can turn a mess into a message.” As I pondered on this, I thought how He is also the one who gives the messages to the messenger. But the messenger chosen by God still has the free will to share or not to share God’s word.

After reading the book of Matthew several times, the Holy Spirit convinced me (Matt. 28:18-20) that God’s plan for me was to be a “messenger” through becoming a speaker and writer to share how He has been the physician in my life. I read this quote: “Only God can measure the actual extent of an individual’s influence.” I have been blessed with messages from numerous readers who share how my stories often deliver a message to them. Only God can lead readers to deliver these messages to me.

When we have made a mess of our lives, only God can turn our mess into a message that can be an example to help prevent others from making the same mistakes. There were times when I certainly messed up in a lot of ways, but the Lord has been there to help me face the daily challenges.

Though it was never my intent to discuss religion, God chose the messy issues in my life and gave me the opportunity to write or speak as His messenger. I can only hope and pray the time will come when He will say “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:14-30).

Research shows that in the Bible, a prophet was one inspired by God through the Holy Spirit to deliver a message for a specific person. According to the internet “shooting the messenger” is a metaphoric phrase used to describe lashing out at the (blameless) bearer of bad news. Reading the history of this was very informative. In ancient history, messengers were the only method to relay facts from one place to another. In the early history of the United States, The Pony Express was developed to carry messages (mail) to the west.

In today’s society, “don’t shoot the messenger” more often refers to a “whistleblower” or those who are blamed for being the bearer of bad tidings. In the business world, some employees see dishonesty in the acts of others. Should they take that “message” to the top, or keep quiet? There is a message on Medicare insurance forms that if we know or “suspect” fraud, we should report that. It takes courage to follow through on that and prayer is the best support for making the right decision.

This may be one of those times when only God can help a person make the honest and best decision. I know I was very concerned when I faced a situation that appeared to be “fraud” and I thought, prayed, and researched the claim before I reported it. As it turned out, I was not the only one who reported that company and Medicare replaced the power chair with a brand new one. I have thanked God numerous times for the power wheelchair which has enabled me to “live” better in a wheelchair.

Are you willing to “blow the whistle” when God calls you? Will you be willing for God to make you willing? Only God can.

Email Linda at lindainthecards@gmail.com