It’s becoming obvious that the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico is the worst ecological disaster in U.S. history! Even the current containment cap is a “temporary fix” that is “not going to solve the problem.” A permanent solution will not come until a relief well can intercept the damaged well and plug it. BP is drilling two such wells, and has said they are expected to complete their work by August.
The broken oil well has been gushing it is estimated up to 25 thousand barrels a day unhindered at full force into the Gulf now for 7 weeks! 1/3 of the Gulf fishing has been shut down. The impact on marine life from this spill will take decades to sort out. (1)
BP’s chief executive officer Tony Hayward says that BP takes full responsibility. Experts in issues management - formerly known as crisis management- point out that BP has failed to manage what they could from a public relations point of view. For instance they have not yet admitted that they’re stumped. Having failed to do this early in the process created the expectation that they knew how to fix it. With their many failed attempts, no one is even listening to what they have to say anymore.
One expert in issues management stated that “this will become a case study for years to come”! (2)
As I personally have reflected on this scenario, it has become obvious to me that not only is BP frustrated; we’re all frustrated. People just cannot believe that they cannot stop the leak or that it’s taking so long! This has become a humbling experience for the petroleum industry and for all of humanity as well. We have made one big mess that will affect generations to come!
Here is the crux of the issue that not only industry, business, corporations or governments but especially each one of us face. It’s called “Self dependence”. I am the keeper of my own destiny. See if this next sentence doesn’t ring true in the heart and mind of many of you…”If it’s going to be; it’s up to me!”
With this kind of a mind set we’re headed for a lot of trouble. It puts us against the wall; we can find ourselves in a hole, or we’re just plain lost in the middle of nowhere! And very lonely.
Listen to the writer of Proverbs 1:24-33 (CEV) You completely ignored me and refused to listen; you rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you. "So when you are struck by some terrible disaster, or when trouble and distress surround you like a whirlwind, I will laugh and make fun. You will ask for my help, but I won't listen; you will search, but you won't find me. No, you would not learn, and you refused to respect the Lord. You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you. "Now you will eat the fruit of what you have done, until you are stuffed full with your own schemes. Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools. But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster."
I know that for my self with a “it’s up to me” attitude made it hard to turn to God. But thankfully when I bottomed out on my own headiness I wasn’t stubborn enough or should I say dumb enough to ignore God! I turned to him for help; and I’ve never looked back!
God is calling us unto Himself. He calls each of us. He made us and knows us. And He’s calling us into a relationship in which we lean on Him instead of ourselves. But He doesn’t force us. He’s given us a free will which means you can reject Him or accept Him. But mark the words of scripture…..God’s no fool and a day of reckoning comes…..and I’m not just talking about death. It comes in many forms before that time. . "Now you will eat the fruit of what you have done, until you are stuffed full with your own schemes. The whole petroleum industry is having a wake up call right now….and it’s only beginning….the back lash from this spill is only beginning!
But we have the same thing that can be going on in our own lives. O it can’t happen to me. I’ll be able to fix anything….I don’t need anyone and especially God! And then your day comes! An accident, a divorce, cancer or something else completely from left field unexpected and unprecedented…..where do you turn?
God never wanted us to be self sufficient; we were not built for it! We were built to have a relationship of trust and dependence upon a loving God.
The writer of Psalms 34:8 (NIV) Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
You see it’s about taking refuge in Him and not in ourselves. It doesn’t mean that life will have no difficulties rather what it means is that in spite of the difficulties you will sense the blessing of God! Taste and see that the Lord is good …take refuge in God and experience His goodness!
I can tell you that it tastes very good!
(1) Globe & Mail, Nathan Vanderklippe, June 7, 2010 Pg A1
(2) Globe & Mail, Simon Houpt, June 7, 2010 Pg B3
