Yorkshire puddings?!

On Sunday we went over to Ruth’s parents for lunch. Her mum cooked a beautiful meal although one of the components did not go as well as intended. Earlier that morning when she looked in the freezer Ruth’s mum realised [o her horror] that her trusty supply of Aunt Bessie’s Yorkshire puddings had been exhausted. Resourceful as ever she quickly made up a batter mix and set about making her own. In the end though it was universally recognised that they were not to Aunt Bessie’s standard; it was probably because the oil was not hot enough. Whatever the reason it was hard to identify them as Yorkshire puddings when they were on your plate.

We all thanked her for her efforts (and ate them any way) offering our own advice on what could have gone wrong with them. In the end it was her mother who offered the consoling words, “You did your best.” When you think about it though these words aren’t consoling at all; in fact they are quite depressing. The implication is that if your best is a sludgy pile of batter on the plate then your best is useless. What you really want to hear is someone saying, “You can do better.” Now that saying is more inspirational [and therefore consoling]. Of course you may not be impressed with your current efforts but someone out there can see something better in you.

This made me think of something that I remember God saying to Joshua:
After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said…
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous... Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:1, 6-7, 9 NLT)

God is saying to Joshua I see something in you that is greater than what you currently see.

There is no doubt that Joshua was a bold man full of valour. But God said these words not to highlight his failures or achievements but to suggest that God was going to achieve greater things through Joshua even though there are daunting things ahead. In fact when God is commanding Joshua to be strong and courageous He is not saying that Joshua is going to have to rely on his own strength to achieve success, instead God is saying, “Let your trust in me be the fuel of your courage and strength.”

Are there things that you have faced on a daily basis which you have not succeeded at?
Well, there is not need to be defeated – you have not done your best; you can do better because God is with you. Since this is true you can be strong and courageous! Go on – do something better, God is with you!

-Andrew Carey