Enduring

At times life gives us wicked problem.  These problems defy our understanding, comprehension, and abilities to solve.  They often come without warning or provocation.  They linger long after our abilities and resolve to defend our souls have expired.  Wicked problems are terrible, complex, and often extremely painful.  They are residents of your life and mine, of those disciplined, honest, and worthy, as well as those who personify evil, self centeredness, and exploitation. 
 
When wicked problems take us residence in your life and mine the question we find ourselves asking is a variation on the theme.  Our imagination tell us the question and answer session goes like this; “Master [God], how long is this to go on?’
 
He said [replies], ‘Until the cities are emptied out, not a soul left in the cities—houses empty of people, countryside empty of people.  Until I, God, get rid of everyone, sending them off, the land totally empty.” (Isaiah 6.11, 12) 
 
God is responsible.  God should be accountable!  God could stop this, if God is God.
 
I find God dealing with some problems very similar to our wicked problems.  The idea of self taking precedence over community came without warning.  In taking up residence a battle began and continues with compassion versus justice, mercy versus accountability, and acceptance versus hierarchy.  The battle plays itself out in New York and California, London and India, and in every city and village where people gather.  The battle is centered in your heart and mine.  We are at war.  God is at war.  Our existence as well as the course of the universe rests in the balance.
 
The one difference is, I believe, lies in God’s ability to solve.  God has addressed the big part of the equation.  You and I are players in the remainder.  We have the opportunity to participate in the future of Divinity.  Our decisions and engagement matter.  The decisions and actions we take determine if compassion, mercy, and acceptance win the moment.  The Spirit is fighting.  We are in the battle.  Everything is here to play for; carpe diem!