At this time in human history, it appears that we are living in an epic movie adventure fraught with danger, mystery, and a fear towards the unknown. It seems the world took a collective step and found themselves tripping face first into a trench so vast and wide it resembles a crater. The words quarantine, self isolation and social distancing are on every computer screen and mentioned in every news report. This is a difficult concept to grasp for a human race created for relationship.
Hollywood has often flirted with the sensationalism of the apocalyptic world raking in billions from the underlying fears of the human spirit. But the one truth that keeps the viewers attention movie after movie is the potential of the hero in the story. We love an ending where that unsung hero leads the way fulfilling his destiny in saving the world… and thus saving them from themselves.
Perhaps it is because potential is one of the greatest mysteries of the human spirit. It is tightly thread into our very existence along side the feeling of hope. But it seems to also be one of the greatest threats to our human condition woven deep into our ego. We long for the sensation of what ‘could be’ buying into the false belief that we can control our potential through our own sheer will. It is a beast with which we tangle; a dance of entanglement we long to savour yet burn to break free from.
Perhaps that is why our human condition struggles so very much in our sin. Our need for control is in constant war with our Creator with whom we know giving over our will, control, and need to achieve will grant us the peace within our soul that we seek.
But our own potential can be used against us when we allow our eyes to slip away from the One who created us thread by thread.
Why does one allow their soul to stretch itself beyond the borders of their marital union when every heart struggles with the same emptiness?
Why does one seek refuge in a different pew when the walls of every church are filled with the same sins?
Why does one long for change when new patterns eventually just become old patterns once again?
When we don’t see the end result of what it is we’re seeking, or we miss the lesson all together, perhaps it is an injustice to the Holy Spirit who promises to always be at work within us. Because potential must be understood through God’s eyes, not through our own foggy vision. In the Apostle Paul’s writings to the church of Ephesus, Paul urged the church to rely upon the grace of God when trying to stand firm in their faith. There was so much unknown in times of strife and trouble, but as God carried them through, He will carry us too.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
As Christ followers, and especially as leaders, He promises us that He will do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine- and our imaginations take can us to some wild places for we long to be the unsung hero of the story. If we let Him be our guide, the potential of what He can do is simply something we can’t measure by the standards of this world.
A very encouraging word today
Thank you for sharing.