THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMEL'S BACK

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It has come to my attention that I am more easily frustrated by life’s speed bumps, roadblocks, and dead ends.  Perhaps it is the times in which we live where news of violence assaults us from all directions… or maybe it is just the aging process… or that I’ve let the adversary steal my joy and I am growing weary with less patience.   

A project that I am overseeing has been fraught by one delay after another.  Several weeks ago, I tried to reach someone working on the project. That day I made several phone calls hoping to remedy the situation, but my calls went unanswered.  I tried again two hours later but still no response to my calls. Sorry to say, I became increasingly frustrated and that frustration began creeping into my interactions with other people.

At that point, there was only one thing to do – STOP!  I found a quiet space outside where I could go and pray. “Lord,” I asked, “what are you saying to me through this situation?”  The answer to my question was immediate. “You are expecting a perfect world. It’s coming but not yet.” At that moment, a strong wind suddenly blew over me and left as quickly as it came.

I was in shock! I know the world is not perfect, that I am not perfect! I know God has promised us a new heaven and a new earth,* that it is coming but it is not here yet. However, I had no idea that I had been harboring a fantasy that the world and everything in it should be perfect now and, of course, perfect according to my standards.  How foolish and immature is that!

So…how does one live in an imperfect world? Through grace, forgiveness, and perseverance topped with faith, God’s mercy, and love.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

P.S. Several weeks have gone by and I am happy to report progress is being made on the “project.”

* Refer to Isaiah 65:11, 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-4.