I wholeheartedly believe that we are all doing the best that we can. Whether we are on cloud nine and delivering an award-winning performance at work, or lashing out at a loved one in the midst of a tense conversation, we are engaging in each moment to our best, present ability. If this idea makes you scratch your head a bit, hear me out.
While driving in downtown Eugene recently, I noticed a member of our community crossing the street with a large amount of garbage bags and miscellaneous items, stacked precariously atop a grocery cart. As tends to happen when I witness individuals in this scenario, God moved my heart to a state of compassion and empathy, and I began to wonder what this person’s story was. I thought to myself that regardless of his circumstances and choices, he seemed to be doing the best he could to survive as indicated by his collection of belongings intended to provide shelter and warmth.
God followed this thought with the idea that in the same way this man was likely doing the best that he could with the belongings, emotional stability, finances, and relationships he had available to him; each one of us sitting in the cars that moved down that street, or walking into the nearby shops, were navigating our own circumstances and in doing so, doing the best we could.
Whether we are carrying literal baggage as we walk the streets to find our next place of rest for the night, or are managing the weight of less visible burdens such as anxiety, trauma, loneliness, financial insecurity, doubt, etc.; we continue to wake up each morning and muster what we have available to us to engage with the world that day.
But, it’s not enough.
Whether we leave our front door with a pep in our step or we recognize our best is just getting out of bed for that day, we still encounter a world that is too great to bear alone.
And yet, we have access to the Mighty God, who carries the work he began in us, unto completion (Philippians 1:6). We have the ear of the Mighty God, who seeks out the one lost sheep, bears each burden and is in the business of saving lives. His daily redemption of our shortcomings is all-sufficient. And not only that, His continued work of pruning and refining us will strengthen our best efforts, so that doing our best in partnership with Him, is indeed enough.
When I walk in the world, doing my best with what I have available to me, I can (and often do) begin to drown in the sea of broken systems, violence, tragedy and hate. Often the empty catch-phrases from Sunday school don’t provide the lifeline that I need. When I say that the God we follow and the God we cling to is Mighty, I mean the Sacred One who was prophesied to save the world. The One who turned cultural norms on their head and calmed the storm with just one breath. This living, vibrant God is bigger than our doubts and bigger than the heartaches in this world. He hears, sees and loves us, especially in the moments where we alone are not enough.
As we continue in preparation for the coming Christ this advent, allow yourself to lean into the abundant grace of Jesus. His promises are true and His heart is completely for you.
Psalm 93:1-5
God is King, robed and ruling. God is robed and surging with strength. And yes, the world is firm, immovable, Your throne ever firm—you’re Eternal!
Sea storms are up, God, Sea storms wild and roaring, Sea storms with thunderous breakers. Stronger than wild sea storms, Mightier than sea-storm breakers, Mighty God rules from High Heaven.
What you say goes—it always has. “Beauty” and “Holy” mark your palace rule, God, to the very end of time.
About the Author
Britni is a quiet but fearless spirit who is earnestly seeking the beauty of the redemption that Jesus has personally determined for her life. Committed to the truth that listening breeds understanding and understanding results in compassion, she clings to the power of life’s stories. She has embarked on the venture of discovering her own story and lending an ear to the stories lived out in others and savors the trace of Jesus that is woven throughout them all. Currently, that journey has landed her in a balancing act between the role of wife, momma, and a mental health Care Coordinator.