Hope For The Fool In Us

A road will be there and a way; it will be called the Holy Way. The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for the one who walks the path. Even the fool will not go astray. 

                                                      Isaiah 35:8  Holman Christian Standard Bible

This verse brings hope. As hard as I try to be a good Christian at times I fail and I'll probably make a few more mistakes during this earthly portion of my eternal life. I'd like to offer you a deal – the SECRET for being perfect. For just 29.95 plus shipping and handling I'll rush delivery to you of my latest book 10 Sure Fire Steps to Succeed Like Jesus. Act now and I'll send you two and only charge you shipping and handling for the second. I also have a few bridges to sell if you're interested.

Relax, that offer is all hype, completely bogus. Don't send me any money unless you're being generous or believe I need help with some mental health issues. I won’t hold my breath waiting until the funds arrive.

The only “perfect” Christian ever was Jesus. Technically, He wouldn't qualify for that designation either because He was Jewish. He is however the Word of God. If we read the bible and apply what we learn, we'll get the same results He did.

Here's is the secret. Perfect in the original language doesn't mean mistake free. Have you read Matthew 5:48 and winced?

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”

Talk about setting the bar high, who in the natural can be like God? In our own strength it ain't happening; not that we won't knock ourselves out trying. In the supernatural realm it’s a different story. If we're supposed to be like our Heavenly Father how much time do you think He spends worrying about making a mistake? I'd venture to say the thought never crosses His mind. He focuses on more important things like justice, love, mercy and grace.

Contrary to what many have been taught, God isn't the ogre they envision. He's not waiting with bolts of lightning to zap us at the slightest infraction - just the opposite. He's our biggest cheerleader and supporter. He knew we'd mess things up so He provided for the blood of Jesus to wipe out all our sins. God knew that driven by good intentions and even pure motives we'd still fail on occasion. We’d act like idiots.

Those words from Isaiah provide hope for the fool in each of us. Yes the path is narrow that leads to life (Matthew 7:14). It appears there's little room for error. Depending on our own strength our case is hopeless. God gives hope to the hopeless. He is “able to guard what I've entrusted to Him for that day,” 2 Timothy 1:2. Despite intentional actions or unintentional mistakes, God can keep us on the right path.

Wherever you are don't stop putting one foot in front of the other as you trust God to direct your steps. If you feel like a fool or even for the moment are one, don't despair. Keep moving forward. God will lead you to your divine destiny.