​In 1959 the triumph of the communist Revolution in Cuba saw the confiscation of private homes, farms, small businesses and companies. After decades of lack of maintenance due to scarcity of paint and building materials, many old buildings are crumbling. Currently, a significant cause of death in Cuba is building collapse. 

​Yet the beauty and original grandeur of these magnificent structures have not been lost. Likewise, the streets, many in disrepair, are full of old cars from an era 55 years past. 

I received instruction as I took in the sights of Cuba last week and met many Cubans from different walks of life. I thought about the Biblical account of creation, about humanity.  

The Bible conveys people were created by God with great potential, possessing inherent purpose and a bright destiny. But we read that many are deceived into believing life can be better with a revolution against God, with a rebellion against His Word, seeking man made idols, philosophies, and ideologies, all of which highjack the path to prosperity and arrest development. 

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and a delight to the eyes, and to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit, and gave it to her husband." (Genesis 3:6 BBE) 

Yet God's love never waivers, nor does the inherent dignity of mankind that comes as ones created in His image, destined for glory. Like the crumbling edifices of Havana, human lives still retain the beauty of Original Intent.  

"But God has made clear his love to us, in that, when we were still sinners, Christ gave his life for us." (Romans 5:8 BBE)

It's this redemption that brings full restoration. 

When the King of Kings sits in His righteous throne and when His Word is wholly functional in our own lives, God's purposes are fulfilled, and the beauty of His intentions for us shines. Thus, we reflect His radiant glory in the midst of every challenge we face. 

This reminds me of so many children with disabilities and their families in resource-poor Cuba, and even right here among the wealth of the United States. We face challenges every day, whether abled or disabled, but with God on our side, we will not be defeated.

"‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’" (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)