“They booby-trapped my path, I thought I was dead and done for.” Psalm 57.6
It was, at best, an embarrassing moment. The setting was perfect for banal conversation. A school gathering with parents and administrators looking for celebrate their roles as mentors of children. Teachers and district managers mixing and working the crowd, killing time and reveling in their brief moment in the spotlight. Brief introductions and simple talk. What could go wrong?
David introduced himself to me, apparently interested in meeting the husband of a fellow school board member. The predictable conversation flowed followed by an innocent remark of how the school and conference would miss our contribution.
The innocent remark set off a firestorm. I know I did not recognize the person talking, although he was in my clothes and had my face! The unknown stranger booby-trapped me in ways I could not defend. Fortunately, the firestorm was brief. Fortunately, David decided not to defend or comment further other than to apologize for others actions. Fortunately, God’s voice screamed loud enough that I stopped.
Just when I thought I had things in control, my true self came out in the open. In one brief moment, the trap captured all the anger I thought I gave up to God a long time ago. In a single act, I knew I was never going to be able to do it on my own! I always fail and that is ok. If no one else exposes my weakness, I will find a way to do it on my own. I know this is sad, but I think it is a weakness we all share.
God knew this was going to happen. God had full knowledge of how you and I have, am, and will fail. Knowing this truth, God expressed his love for us in very tangible ways. God gave up his son to die on our behalf. God’s commitment and sacrifice bridges the gaps created by our own failures.
We can win in our failures. Just acknowledge who we are and accept who God is!
