A quick review of “This Day in History” on the history.com website reveals that June 17, 1972 was the date Nixon’s re-election employees were arrested for burglary. The Watergate scandal/investigation also led to the arrest of Charles “Chuck” Colson, Special Counsel to President Nixon. He went on to spend 7 months in Federal prison.
For those unfamiliar with Colson, his story is worthy of a movie. Wikipedia states: “Colson became a Christian in 1973. His mid-life conversion to Christianity sparked a radical life change that led to the founding of his non-profit ministry Prison Fellowship and to a focus on Christian worldview teaching and training. Colson was also a public speaker and the author of more than 30 books.”
I was reminded of the verse in Genesis 50:20 where Joseph comforts his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” ESV
Despite man’s intentional lawlessness, and actions that would forever stain a Presidency, God allowed something very good to be birthed out of Watergate. Not only did Colson have a personal and eternal transformation, his ministry and legacy have touched the lives of tens of thousands.
If you are looking at a stain in your life and wishing it would disappear, I challenge you to seek a fresh perspective. Pray and see how the Lord can use what was evil, to bring about good. You will be amazed at how the mistakes of your past can become tools of ministry. Releasing the shame, to the glory of God, will one day allow you to look back on your “date in history” and watch how He’s transformed your mess in a way only He can.
