Life can be so full of possibilities, dreams, and opportunities for discovery, growth and development that it’s easy to get bogged down with too many goals and expectations. Instead of inspiring and energising us for new things and us enjoying all that is possible in our lives we can instead allow ourselves to come under unnecessary pressure to make things happen and for everything to be perfect – including us!
As a home schooler of our two youngest children I am well aware of the trap that too heavy a load of expectation can be, and the tendency to want everything and everyone to be perfect. This often only drives me to rush, push and pressure both myself, and our children to achieve, hit markers and to keep up with everyone else. However as in all areas of our life God is not asking for perfection, but just for us to continue to grow in our love and knowledge of Him and to then share that with others. He only asks that we continue to discover the unique, amazing person He has created each of us to be.
God wants us to know that He doesn’t require or expect us to be perfect. He is perfect for us, and as we discover everyday who we are in Him and who He is, we realise that He freely takes our imperfections and erases them so that we can be made perfect and whole in Him. When we fall short, He fills in the gaps; when we mess up He forgives and restores us; when we realise we are not enough, He tells us He is more than enough!
God says to us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me”. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Today don’t beat yourself up over expectations and the striving for everything to be perfect. Know that Jesus’ grace is enough and that His power is perfected in us in our weaknesses. We are complete in Him because He is perfect, with nothing missing or broken, and as we come to Him we are made whole.
“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.“ (Colossians 2:9-10)
“For by one offering he has perfected for all time those who are made holy.” (Hebrews 1015)
Prayer: Lord thankyou that in you all my imperfections and failings are washed away. Help me to remember that when I am feeling not enough that you are more than enough and that I am complete and made whole in you. In Jesus name Amen.
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