2016: The Guilt of being Imperfect and the Promise to overcome

During the Christmas season I began thinking about Jesus’ parents…Mary and Joseph. I’ve always been blown away by their faith and obedience, their complete trust in God. They seem perfect. 

Yet, I know that’s not true. 

They were human.

Just like me.

Just like you.

That means they were NOT perfect.

It means they sinned.

Let that sink in. 

The parents God chose to raise Jesus were imperfect humans. They sinned. And yet, God still used them! 

While the Bible doesn’t record Mary and Joseph’s mistakes, we can be sure they were just as human as you and me. 

In Luke 2 we find a very interesting story about Jesus as a boy. 

When He was 12 He went with His family to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. After it was over, Jesus decided to not go back with them. However, He didn’t inform His mom or dad of His plans and they assumed He was with the large group traveling home. It wasn’t long before they realized He was missing! 

Can you imagine how they must have felt?

Where was their son?

What had happened to Him?

Was He hurt?

Had someone taken Him?

Besides the instant worry and fear, I imagine they felt GUILT.

How could they have let this happen?

How could they NOT have known He wasn’t with them?

What kind of parents were they?

All the fear, worry, and guilt would build as they searched for Him. 

It took 3 days to find Him.

Can you imagine how you’d feel if it were your son missing?

Now add to that the knowledge you were choose to raise the SON OF GOD!

Talk about pressure!

They were responsible for the Messiah!

Here are some of the things I would have been thinking as I frantically search for my son:

“You’ve got to be kidding me; I LOST the Son of God? God trusted me to birth and care for His Son and I LOST Him? I can’t believe I LOST Him? How could I have let this happen? What’s wrong with me? I’m a terrible mom! Did God make a mistake making me Jesus’ mother?”

Here’s the conversation I would have had with God:

“I’m so sorry I lost your Son. How can you ever forgive me? You entrusted me with Him and I LOST Him! If You will please help me find Him I promise I won’t lose Him again…I hope!”

Now I don’t know if Mary thought anything similar to this. But from the scriptures I do know that she said, “…Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” Luke 2:48

Mary and Joseph were anxious.

They were scared.

And I bet they felt at least a little guilty at not having kept better track of Jesus. 

The point I’m trying to make is: WE ARE ALL HUMAN.

We all make mistakes. 

God knows this about us.

God knew Mary and Joseph were not perfect. 

But He trusted them to care for His only Son anyway.

God loves you…even though you are imperfect.

Nothing you’ve ever done, or will do, can change that.

We all sin.

So as you go into this New Year, know you will  mess up.

Go ahead and make “New Year’s Resolutions” but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t stick with them.

You will make mistakes in 2016.

But God’s grace is enough.

His love knows no bounds. And the plans He has for you are good.

Trust Him.

Mary and Joseph did.

They weren’t perfect and God used them.

He will use you too. 

Have a wonderful New Year.  

And please, don’t let guilt over messing up keep you from moving forward. 

God has great things in store for you.

May this promise from God comfort you and guide you in 2016:

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Mistakes don't have to define who we are. They aren't the "end" unless we choose to make them that way. With God, we always have hope for more. 

Happy New Year! 

God bless.