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November 3, 2009
When Your Best Isn't Good Enough
Giving it all and Giving it to God |
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Greetings!
This past Friday night our high school football team lost another game. Of the many games on our tough schedule this one was a game we all thought we could win. It didn't work out that way. In fact, they ran all over us.
As I was leaving the field after the game I passed a senior player who had just played his last game on his home field. His head was hanging low and he was visibly upset. I patted his back and let him know I thought he played hard and with passion. He said nothing. I stopped him and asked, "Did you play your hardest every play? Did you give it 100%?" He quietly said, "Yes, Coach". I patted his shoulder pads and simply said, "Well, then that's all you can do. You can't worry about everyone else - you are only responsible for your performance. If you gave it everything you had then you have nothing to be ashamed of."
The truth in this encounter, and the many like it that play out in marriages, relationships, work, play, church and life, is that sometimes our best just isn't good enough. In fact, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ then your best will never be enough. That is exactly why God sent His Son to rescue our souls and give us life ... His best IS good enough. We must simply give life our best and give it to God.
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1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
~ Galatians 6:1-5 ~
8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
~ 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 ~
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Let Go and Let God!
The apostle Paul penned both of the readings in our devotion. Paul had a deep awareness of human responsibility, as stated in the first reading from Galatians, and in God's supernatural ability, as stated in 2 Corinthians. Though the writings may seem conflicting they actually support one another.
There are many areas of life where we must perform. Our daily duties and roles are great examples. God desires to work in and through us but we need to do our part. We need to "bear our own load". Still, we also need to serve others and "bear one another's burdens". The trick is that there will be days when our best isn't good enough for either situation.
In the past month I have lost friends to tragedy and cancer. I want to bear my friend's families burdens and bring comfort but what can I say or what can I do? The truth is my best isn't good enough. Alas, a greater truth remains ... God's best is enough! In my weakness He is strong and His grace is sufficient for me and for them!
Friend, remember you are not responsible for the actions, thoughts or behavior of another human being. You are responsible to do your best and give life 100%. Once you have accomplished this feat you must simply let go and let God!
There comes a point in our lives when we cannot bear the burden or hold up under the load. This is why we must have Christ. He is the burden-bearer and the load carrier. In fact, when we surrender to God the fullness of the Godhead - Father, Son and Holy Spirit responds.
This week, focus on "doing all things as unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:23) and then rest in knowing He is in control and will take what you bring in the natural and touch it with heaven to make it supernatural! It's true your best isn't good enough. In fact, on your best day you still deserve hell! But, thanks be to God for the indescrible gift of life in Jesus. Share Him and Seek Him in your weakness and He will come in strength! |
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For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin |
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