2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.
In our world we are often pressured to be perfect, to do everything right, to make no
mistakes. We are taught that to err is to fail, and failure is something we
should fear. However, brethren, this notion is not of God, but of the world.
God knows our flaws and that our spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). He is not asking us to be perfect, rather, He is asking us
to rely on His perfect strength. Even in our weakness, God's grace is
sufficient for us. We do not have to be perfect because God's power and
perfection are already at work within us through the Holy Spirit.
I understand that many of us are challenged with fear and
anxiety over making mistakes. This often leads us to be overly cautious and
hypervigilant, constantly on high alert to avoid these perceived failures.
However, Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who labour
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
We do not have to carry the heavy burden of perfectionism.
We are invited to lay it down at the feet of Jesus and find rest in His grace.
When we let go of our fears, we can truly experience the relief and serenity
that God offers. We are being made perfect throughout our struggles and failures, each day shining brighter until the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).
Beloved, let us remember the story of Peter, who walked on
water. When he kept his eyes on Jesus, he did the impossible. But the moment he
focused on the furious storm and waves, he sank. It was his fear of failing,
fear of the storm, that pulled him down. But, even in his failure, Jesus was
there, ready to lift him back up.
God is not waiting for us to fail so He can abandon us.
Rather, He is there, right in our moments of failure, ready to lift us back up,
ready to show us His love and grace.
I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to let go of your
fears. Do not let fear of making mistakes or of not being perfect stop you from
embracing the beautiful journey of faith. Remember, our God does not require
perfection from us, but faithfulness.
We thank the Lord for His grace that is sufficient for us. May
He help us let go of our fears and perfectionism and trust in His strength. In
our weaknesses, may His power be displayed. May you embrace your imperfections
and find strength in God's perfect love.