Waiting for Perfect
by Rachael M. Colby
(2 Corinthians 3:5, NLT).
I was waiting for perfect, but it never showed up. So I decided I’d better start the journey without it. I thought I needed to be the perfect Christian, wife, mom, have the perfect family, and coin the perfect phrases. Then I’d have something to say. Then God could use my writing. I mean, who am I?
But it’s not about who I am; it’s about who Jesus is. I am made for His glory. It’s Christ in me. I’m His work in progress, and His mercies are new every morning. But I must be honest about my shortcomings and spend time with Christ and in His word, so He can change and equip me. I have to give myself to Him.
“So, here’s my mess, Lord. I love You. Help me.”
This doesn’t mean I can succumb to slackness, for I believe good enough is not good enough. I must be diligent and keep a teachable spirit to grow as a Christian and as a writer. This is my call—my work must be well done. God helps as I submit my work to Him; God helps as I submit myself to Him.
The depth of my writing will never surpass the depth of my relationship with God. There is pain in the process, but there is joy in the journey, as I allow God to change me from glory to glory.
The Preacher said the power is in the going. The Bible says faith without works is dead. And when God says, “Go,” we need to start walking.
Do you hear Him?
“Come. Walk with Me.”
Lord, I want to pursue Your heart above all else. You are my sustenance, my source. Help me become a disciplined soldier of the time, talent, and responsibilities You have given me. Give me words to praise You, Lord. Let my words rise to Heaven as an offering to You. May they reach down and take root in hearts. Use them to draw others to You—into Your knowledge, light, and love. Amen.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Rachael M Colby resides in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Wife, mom, bona fide beach bum, avid Tweeter, and creator of TattooItOnYourHeart.com—a place for seekers, followers, and writers, Rachael writes to glorify God and encourage others. She addresses culturally relevant questions connecting everyday life with Christianity’s answers through motivational articles, interviews, poetry, and children’s picture books.
This article is derived from Rachael’s post, Waiting for Perfect, originally published on her website, Tattoo It On Your Heart and also on her Cape Cod Times blog by the same name.
Well said, Rachael. Thank you!
Thank you, Pearl! Speaking of well said, submissions are currently open here.! 😉
This stopped me cold. Just yesterday I mentioned to a friend in passing how fall short I fall in a certain area, and how a wise woman had told me I better get that flaw eliminated if I ever want to help people. (It’s my disorderliness.) My friend pulled back. “I disagree,” she said. “God can use anyone, especially imperfect people. If I had to be perfect for Him to use me, it would never happen. But it does happen!”
So like you, I want to improve and I study and work to improve, but in the meantime I’m so thankful for grace that reaches down and chooses the “weak, foolish, and base” because then He will be glorified. Thank you, Rachael, for this needed “second” to what my friend told me, and thank you, Tina, for having her. I like Rachael’s writing; hope to see more of it! 🙂
Praise God, Rebekah. I’m blessed to bless you as you have me with your writing, podcasts, and testimony. These two below are my scriptures for my call to write: 🙂
“It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God” 2 Corinthians 3:5
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. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. Praise God—He helps me. Thank you for reading!. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share.
The power is in the going … yes, I hear the call through this post. So thankful that God uses imperfect people … so much hope. All I have to do is begin with one small step.
Yes, Hulda. We just have to take the first step, and then another and another. Just lay the first word down and then another and another… And they turn into sentences, and paragraphs, and sometimes, books. 🙂 Thank You for your leadership, your faithfulness to God and to His call for your life.
Our Father is answering your prayers that your words would take root in hearts, Rachael. They took root in mine, and you watered a few other sprouts that are growing in me. Thank you for being honest. God is using you, your story and your honesty.
Thank you for your encouragement, Phyllis; It means much. I am so honored that God would use my words to bless you. May God continue to bless and anoint you, and use your life and writing to inspire others.