The Other Side of Brilliance
Have you ever said, “I’m trying my best”?
I’m sure you have. We all have. I mean, what is the goal if not our best?
Trying our best may not be what we want.
When I think of “our best” I think of a man named Saul in the New Testament. Why Saul? Because Saul was known for trying his best.
In fact, Saul described himself as someone doing his dead level best. He tells us he is “a Hebrew of Hebrews”, “in regard to the law, a Pharisee”, “as for zeal, persecuting the church”, and “as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” (Philippians 3:5-6, NIV)
Later, Saul (re-named Paul) had a different view of himself. In 1 Corinthians 15:9, he considers himself to be the “least of the apostles”. In Ephesians 3:8, he is “less than the least of all saints”. In 1 Timothy 1:15, “the chief of sinners.”
What happened?
He met Jesus.
Are you struggling with efforts to “try your best?” If you are doing it on your own, you probably are.
When doing life under my own strength, I feel just like the words sound, “I’m trying my best.” And my best often falls woefully short. At times I might be okay, suitable, or even acceptable. But short of satisfying.
Because of his encounter with Jesus, Paul realized his best was never going to get him where he wanted to be. Paul needed someone greater than he, and that someone was Jesus. Paul shared his conversion experience with a crowd one day. He told of the bright light from heaven that caused him to drop to the ground. That bright light did more than knock him to the ground, it blinded him.
The Other Side of Brilliance #hope #joy #writingcommunity Share on X“My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.” (Acts 22:11, ESV)
The bright light, the brilliance, was Jesus.
After that experience, Paul no longer did his best. He stopped relying on himself and relied on Jesus. There are many verses supporting this, but I would like to highlight one. In this account Paul is reflecting on excellence and contentment. He doesn’t pursue these virtues through his own means. He relies on He who is greater.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NASB)
If you are having a tough go today at doing your best, consider Paul’s example. Experience your best on the other side of brilliance.
Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.
