GOD USES THE IMPERFECT

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” – 2 Corinthians 12:9a

It is humbling to know that on the Pathway to Perfection, GOD USES THE IMPERFECT: “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor.12: 9-10). Our Imperfections make us usable!

Beloved, do you sometimes find it so much easier to give advice to others than to live by those same words you share? Have you found yourself thinking after a phone call with a friend: Did those words of wisdom really come from me? Maybe I should follow that advice too! Admittedly, it can feel a little hypocritical – needing the very same advice you’re sharing – but God may not see it that way at all. He knows that even when we believe in His Word, there are times when are faith wanes.

Paul had shared many instructions with the Philippians, on humility, unity and knowing God, and then in Philippians 3:12, he lets them know that he hadn’t reached the goal himself: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfect; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” The New Living Translation says: “I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Paul had just spoken about his future death and resurrection with Christ; and how someday, he will be made complete and perfect before the Lord (Phil.3:10-11). Now, he wanted his readers to know that his life is a work in progress. He had not yet reached the point of being absolutely without sin.

A Christ-like life is not a moment to achieve, but a goal to pursue. Paul made it his goal to become increasingly like Christ in this life. This should give us hope. While we share godly advice and wise words with friends at times, we must realise that we’re all working through this together. None of us has arrived. The key is to remain humble. There will be times when our actions don’t measure up to the words we share, but we keep pressing to reach the goal. God’s Word is still life’s perfect blueprint, even when we fall short: “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven” (Psa.18:30a).

Paul made every effort to lay hold on the goal of knowing God because Christ had apprehended him. As believers, Jesus has captured our hearts! We want to share Him with others! But even in our sharing, we’re still seeking to know God more. Beloved, let’s keep sharing Christ. Let’s keep using His words to counsel and console. For He is the very best we have to offer. Even if we miss the mark at times, what’s important is that we don’t stop seeking Him. God knows that our influence doesn’t come from a place of perfection. Rather, it’s our victory over brokenness and our battle scars that say to those around us, “I know you’ll make it if you follow God – because that’s what helps me to overcome every day.”

When we stand on God’s Word, despite not having attained perfection, we walk in faith. We convey the message to the world that this Jesus who changed our lives is still working in us, using our imperfections to draw others to Himself. He’ll help us to see ourselves as His vessels for impacting the world around us. He’ll help us to trust Him with our weaknesses, knowing that He can use them for His eternal Glory. What greatness Grace! What immensity of Mercy – that we imperfect mortals should represent the Perfect God! He qualifies the unqualified. God uses the Imperfect!