It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
- The Narrow Path
- Oct 21, 2022
- 3 min read
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:3–5, NLT).
I’ve always been achievement-oriented. For as long as I can remember, I have set out to complete whatever challenge is in front of me with the intention of doing it well.
Playing a game? I want to win. Writing a paper? I want to get an A. Publishing a website? It needs to be perfect.
Uh-oh. There’s that word! Perfect. Though my desire to perform well in whatever I do is something that has served me incredibly well in the past, and no doubt it will continue to do so in the future, it is also something that, at times, has kept me from stepping out into what the Lord has called me to do.
I have talked about the story of Abraham from the book of Genesis many times. His incredible faith is something I have always looked to as a reminder that I don’t have to be perfect; I only have to be obedient. When I stop myself from moving forward as a result of not knowing the destination or quality of the outcome, it is ultimately delayed obedience.
I am not condemning myself. Rather, I am reminding myself that when the Lord is leading, I don’t have to know every step, and neither do you. We don’t have to have everything perfectly aligned before following Him. In fact, it is in the unknown where we are called to trust Jesus and say yes to following His promptings, despite the presence of fear that we won’t measure up.
There have been so many things on this journey where I have felt anxious about taking a new step—publishing a website, creating an LLC, writing a devotional book, and starting a podcast. As the Lord continues to call me into unknown areas, He is continually challenging me to let go of my desire to know what every step looks like ahead of time.
Romans 5:3–5 says: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
On this journey with The Narrow Path, I have taken many unsure steps and encountered numerous obstacles, but moving forward without certainty has required courage.When I lean into the truth found in Romans, I am filled with a peace that surpasses understanding. As a result, I am able to press on toward whatever the Lord is leading me.
Today, I want to encourage you by reminding you that whatever you’re doing doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be a result of obedience to Jesus Christ. When He is your leader, perfection is never the goal, only the progress of transforming yourself to be more like Him.
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