PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
Have you ever watched someone give up on something when it grew too difficult? I see this in my young children sometimes. They want to be able to do things that are perhaps beyond their current abilities. Those recommended ages for toys are often ignored, and inevitably, frustration settles in. Half-assembled Lego sets or puzzles litter the tables and floors of our home. And lest you think I'm just tattling on my kids, I have a number of abandoned house projects that I could point to that are fully mine to own. Sometimes, no amount of YouTube videos can help this not-so-handy man. So, I give up and move on.
Do you ever worry that God might give up on you and move on?
After all, you get a lot wrong. You seem to mess up as much as you get it right. The shame settles in, and you can begin to believe that you're just not worth it. The enemy loves to attack us this way! I'm sure you've heard his whispers just like I have. You haven't really changed. You're the same old person. God couldn't possibly want to continue to put up with you.
Hear me: what God began in you, He is faithful to see through to the end.
He knew you weren't perfect when He chose you. Every sin you have ever committed and will ever commit was fully known to Him BEFORE Jesus went to the cross. And still, He went. And still, He loves you. No, you don't deserve it. But that's the very definition of grace: getting something you don't deserve.
You will never be perfect this side of eternity. Sanctification is a lifelong process. Your journey with Jesus may not seem linear—two steps forward, then five steps back. But we persevere. We continue to pursue Him. And we know that as we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8).
APPLICATION: Ask God to help you see yourself as He does. Often, the hardest person to forgive is yourself. Meditate on the thought that God is faithful to finish what He has begun in you.
PRAYER: Father, You are gracious to me in so many ways. Thank You for Your love demonstrated in Your Son Jesus on the cross. Strengthen me through the power of Your Holy Spirit as I seek to walk with you daily. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?