The View from My Place – “Wits End”

While attending a recent production of the classic play “Romeo and Juliet,” I heard a Shakespearian line that I decided I could use as a pastor. It went something like this: “The situation strains me beyond the compass of my wits.”

Thanks to the friar who spoke these words to Juliet, I now possess another way to describe, with a touch of lightheartedness, perplexing matters that require additional prayer and wisdom from on high.

                   “Pastor, how do you think I should handle this?”
                   “Well brother, the situation strains me beyond the compass of my wits.”

Indeed, whether others call upon us for advice or we’re just trying to figure out our own issues, life often presents us with problems that strain us beyond the compass of our wits. And even when we think we’ve nailed the “right” answer, future circumstances often cause us to retroactively question the wisdom of our choice.

Thankfully, as believers, we can use our wits without trusting in our wisdom. We are in fact specifically instructed by God’s classic holy writ to“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

We have a Guide who lives with us and in us who is never perplexed, because no situation – no matter how it turns out – is ever beyond His redemptive power. He can turn what we consider the worst choice EVER into a blessing beyond our wildest dreams.

Nothing ever strains Him beyond the compass of His wits.