The casualties in crisis

Perfectly imperfect, seems to be the best way of describing how we are handling the hardships we are all experiencing. For every one we are trying to help there are others who we are not helping. For every word spoken that blesses someone, those same words offend another.

I have never watched an action movie where the hero, who was trying to eliminate the villain achieved this without some car smashed, property damaged or people hurt. No matter how well-intentioned or well planned a course of action is to help people there are always casualties in crisis.

God is perfect in all His ways. There’s no doubt that He is the only one who has the power to do everything the way that everyone would prefer. And yet, he chooses to use fallible human vessels to be an extension of his hands and his feet on the earth. He sends imperfect people with a variety of experiences and perspectives, to move towards pain, problems and crisis. Why would he do this, knowing full well that even with the best intentions people can bless some and disappoint others?

Love is what compels us to move regardless of our shortcomings. It is love that is able to see that while I might not be doing everything perfectly, if I am doing things from a place of love then I have to trust that at the end of it all it will be better. Love covers a multitude of sin. I’m not talking about blatant purposeful sin. I mean, the kind that shows up out of our humanity. The stupid things we say and do, especially in our effort to be a part of the solution.

That’s why we should make sure we walk humbly in all things. In humility we will be able to learn from our mistakes and approach others’ mistakes with a gracious posture.

 Humility knows that we don’t see it all, know it all or can do it all. It’s only by God’s grace that we are even able to do the things we do. His grace alone enables the natural man to do supernatural things. 

I know I have felt that I am not good enough, and that my best decisions are still imperfect. Not everybody is pleased with me. Honestly, that takes its toll on the heart. Sometimes I want to surrender to the hopelessness that taunts me with the words “why even try to do anything if it won’t mean anything to someone out there?”. When I get my eyes off of me and others and look up higher to the Lord I enter into a place of rest where I am unconditionally loved. That humbles me so that I am filled with courage and that enables me to love others, even if it’s not always perfect. 

I know I am not always pleasing to God and if I’m really honest, I dont always feel like what He is doing is pleasing to me but I remind myself, in moments like these, that while I don’t always understand God’s purpose I am secure that His heart is for me. 

The most perfect response we can have is LOVE. Although we will not please everyone, and that there are times when there will be casualties in crisis, we can rest assured that He is good all the time, He is in complete control and He will work all things for our good.