“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7, NIV).

I was in northern Vermont for five days of fall foliage with my wonderful wife. On the day we left for the trip, a young patient called me and said she was passing out when she tried to stand up. Concerned she might have developed a systemic infection, I told her to get to the emergency, and we boarded our flight to Vermont. Now surrounded by red and golden maple forests, I have been checking my email daily, wanting to fix my patient’s serious illness while hoping to enjoy a time of respite with the girl I love.

God gave us an insatiable desire to fix things. I have no doubt this desire was planted in us as part of the image of God. Unfortunately, or fortunately, though we are driven by this innate desire, we lack God’s capacity to accomplish all we want to fix.

This dilemma leads to both blessings and trouble for our lives.

The trouble includes anxiety and guilt because we cannot fix everything that desperately needs fixing.

The blessings are greater.

Not only does this drive within us allow us to change numerous things that need changing, but our inability to fix all things provides us the incredible blessing of failing and falling into the arms of God when things are beyond our control. The power and comfort of His arms in my life have been far more important than the distress of my failures. This ability to rest in His arms when I have failed is a learned behavior I continue to develop over long years of facing my limitations and watching God step in.

Lessons

• I’m not as necessary, or as capable, as I think I am.
• I will do my best as He leads and empowers me.
  God is always more capable than I give Him credit.
• God will always accomplish His purpose either through me or beyond me.

I obviously have not fully learned these lessons.

Thank God my patient did well without me.

Dear Father,

Let me do my best in all things for you and through you as I trust you to accomplish that which is best in all things.

Amen