Stumbling Blocks and the Unsolvable Issue of Being Human

Merriam-Webster defines the word stumble as “to fall into sin or waywardness” and subsequently reads “to make an error: blunder.”

In the 1970s stumbling was often placed in a scene of a silly skit. Whether it was Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, or Tim Conway, someone would pretend to stumble over something. The actor’s reaction to the surprise turn of events was always exaggerated. They would move and manipulate their bodies so that it appeared gravity was going to win. Then the actor would go tumbling down to the ground in a most awkward way. The audience would roar and provide the actors with the reaction hoped for. It was all good, and all too funny.

However, on the other side of the television screen, stumbling is not a laughing matter. Stumbling and the contortion of our bodies to prevent a fall can come at a great price. Sore muscles and aching joints are often the results of avoiding going from standing upright to an unplanned position lying on the ground.

I brought on my own stumble this Christmas Eve. Poor night vision, scurrying to get out of the cold, and carrying too many packages were the culprits. The dark night sky, subzero temps, and gift bags may have brought on this near-body meets-the-ground event but it was my own lack of preparation that allowed the intrusion into this time of celebration.

I am fine, no physical damage to report. The only consequence was a scuffed shoe and bruised ego. I mentioned the near miss to my family. However, there were so many conversations that I don’t really think anyone heard my tale of woe,. There were no “I am sorry are you ok?”, no “sit down I will get you some ice.” I could have entered the room announcing loudly my life-threatening experience but thought better of making this family celebration about me. The stumble went unnoticed.

I long for the day that I no longer stumble spiritually. When I no longer lose my footing over interruptions in the smooth flow of my life. I yearn for a time that my feet stay on course regardless of where they lead me or obstructions that come my way.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. , for the old order of things has passed away. ” Revelation 21:4

Sometimes I feel like that rubber ball that is attached to a wooden paddle. The paddle ball toy was popular when I was younger, in the previous century. I doubt generation Alpha would appreciate the challenge of repeatedly hitting a small rubber ball attached to a flat piece of thin wood. Now that I am writing an explanation of this simple game, I am not even sure why we found this so entertaining and challenging. A different time and different expectations of what entertainment looked like I suppose.

As this innocent ball goes from mid-air back to the back side of its aggressor, the pull of the elastic drags it back to the painful collision with the hard reality of what will happen over and over again. The fact is stumbling blocks are the unsolvable issue of being human, of being on this side of heaven.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

My spiritual stumbling generally comes from just a few sources. Sometimes it is a lack of faith as my prayers aren’t answered in the way I have requested (or directed) to the Lord of the universe to respond. Once in a while, it is from spiritual laziness. I make the poor choice to cut short my time with God or failed to yield my thoughts to the Lord’s direction. Allowing my mind to wander into places it has no business going. There have been times I have allowed myself to overconsume unhealthy food, drink, or entertainment. This does not bring glory to God or bring me closer to His truth or His light.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the same of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

After allowing a stumbling block into my life, the next wrong turn I make usually involves a form of self-disciple. Not the healthy self-discipline that involves good choices and self-control, but the kind that is related to that trite saying of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.” The “I can fix it on my own” attitude removes God from the picture, leaving me with an empty heart.

Regardless of what form the stumbling block takes, the consequences remain the same. I experience a disconnect from the One who loves me most. I find myself separated from the only One who gave Himself for me and invites me to the throne room of His grace.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Where do I find the balance between acknowledging the never-ending presence and destructive potential of these annoying pests, and the indescribable power of God in my life to overcome them as they present themselves? How do I lean into and thereby procure the power of God in my life? I need the power to hold back the devastating effects of stumbling while being fully aware that I am and always will be fully human, and a sinner saved by grace.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13

I am reminded by the gentle movement of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word that I can do nothing without Him.

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

By remaining and abiding in the presence and the power of our savior, we are empowered to overcome those interruptions in our life. To glide over the stumbling blocks that so easily entangle us in sin and doubt. By putting on the whole armor of God, we can prevail over darkness, because darkness will overcome the light.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

“You dear children, are from God and have overcome them because he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” John 4:4

There are no simple, easy, or quick fixes to the stumbling blocks or the unsolvable dilemma of being human. But our Lord has made a way for us, to catch us when we stumble and provide wisdom and insight for the next battle. He placed His Spirit in us that continually changes us. We are still human, but we are superhuman through His power, strength, and wisdom.

Be encouraged fellow servants!

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purity us from all unrighteousness.” I john 1:8-1

Blessings,

Karen