"I am doing the best that I can!" - May 15

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 87, 90; PM Psalm 136; Ezek. 3:4-17; Heb. 5:7-14; Luke 9:37-50

“I’m doing the best that I can!”

Have you ever said this in an argument or time of conflict? In the middle of frustration and disappointment, has that been your response? Feeling like you’ve hit a wall and can only do so much. I’ve said it a lot this past year. How do you respond when others impart, “I’m doing the best that I can!”?

I read an article this week distributed by the Religion News Service about pastors and partners in ministry who are really struggling after the past year of isolation and conflict. The story explores the rocky road of ministry through pandemic, societal conflict, and general upheaval that has led to some pastors throwing their hands up in exhaustion. What are we to do when we hit that wall and cry out?

Perhaps in listening to ourselves and others when saying these words, “I am doing the best that I can!”, the opening for us is to wonder is where God is helping us grow next. If we truly are functioning as well as we can at present, then perhaps we are in the pangs of growth and learning a new way. It’s hard to see that change up close…it takes us stepping back to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and say, “Wow! I was a part of that? Nice!” It’s encouraging to know that we can do that in the future, and right now, in the middle of growth and change, we are still in the thick of it.

Jesus’ friends are doing their best as followers of this healer and teacher of Nazareth. He’s teaching them how to cast out spirits, heal the lame, and proclaim the Good News…and they are still growing. This oddly assembled group of men are doing the best that they know at the time in Luke 9. A man brings his only son to the disciples for healing; the boy is tormented by an evil spirit. Jesus’ friends are unable to cast out the demon. The father implores Jesus to help. He responds, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear you? Bring your son here.” (Luke 9:41) Jesus rebukes the demon and heals the boy, calming the brokenness of that moment.

We do not get to read all of the dialogue that was exchanged as they reflected on that ministry moment, processing what they saw and felt that day. I imagine that the unsuccessful disciples grumble in frustration to one another and want to explain to Jesus that they tried their best, as hard as they could. Perhaps one disciple pats another on the back and shares a story of failure and frustration, too…or there is gloating over who is the better demon slayer. What we do read in Luke’s account is that Jesus says to his friends, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” (v. 44) Honestly, this message sounds like a non sequitur – it does not follow what just happened. As it is narrated, we are told that the disciples’ understanding is obscured in the moment. Jesus plants this seed, however, to give the disciples a bit of perspective about the bigger picture, so that in time, they can step back and see the importance of his work and their role in it.

Last thing: Jesus brought this overflowing gift of grace to us all. When we feel like we’ve hit the proverbial wall and can go no further, let us remember the grace that Jesus extends to us. Maybe it’s not working harder that Jesus is calling us to do…perhaps it is a call to sit down, change our perspective, ask for help, and rest. And then, work differently. We are not on this journey alone. We have this great high priest in Jesus (as we read in Hebrews 5 today), better and different than any priest ever…and God’s Son brings us salvation, healing, and resolution in surprising ways.

Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

 What have you done your absolute best in this week? At what can you do differently next week?

 When someone says, "I'm doing the best I can!", what is your opinion?

Daily Challenge 

Work today to accept yourself when you feel that you've done all you can. Take five minutes to pray with God. Allow yourself space for rest and appreciation, and receive the grace God has given to you.