Have you ever said the words “I did my best” to be met with the response “Well your best is just not good enough” or worse still, has this ever been your response to someone. Such discouragement lingers with us and often when we attempt something new it is the negative voices which we hear rather than the positive. I once took part in an appraisal at work where, rather than looking at strengths and weaknesses, it looked only at the strengths and built on them, a much more positive experience which left us feeling valued and encouraged.

We may strive to achieve at work, or in relationships or even in our church role but that is not what God wants from us, he loves us as we are, we do not have to strive to achieve his love - it is freely given, our best is always good enough.

My favourite parable in the Bible is that of the prodigal son, who turns his back on his family and makes his own way. His chosen path which seemed so exciting eventually leaves him hungry, poor and alone and, with nothing left, he turns back for home. Far from trying his best, he has made a real mess of things. You can almost hear the voices of condemnation from his old village. His expectations of acceptance understandably are low but read again what happens.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15 vs. 20

We may feel that we have failed; we may feel that we have messed up; or that our best is never good enough; but none of that matters to God. While we are still a long way off he runs towards us with his loving arms outstretched.

 

Elsie Bouffler (http://blog.mydailythought.co.uk/)