God Doesn’t Expect Perfection

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Cor. 12:9 NIV)

I’ve struggled for a long time with perfectionism. I’ve tried to avoid failure at all costs. Perfection manifests itself in my life in different ways. I shy away from taking risks or trying something new because I can’t be sure of how well I’ll fare or what the outcome will be. I hold stubbornly to control in order to ensure success because other people might not do a job as well as I, and I don’t want to be associated with something flawed.

I’m not certain where my belief that I can’t be flawed or make mistakes originated. It’s been an internal drive for as long as I can remember, though. I clearly recall panicking and almost throwing up in fifth grade when I thought I’d forgotten to complete a homework assignment. It turned out to be a misunderstanding, but I didn’t learn this until after my body had tried to rescue me from the anxiety-induced fear. Even now, when I think I’ve screwed up, my face and body will physically heat up, my palms will get clammy, and my mind will begin to race as it scrambles for a possible solution to the issue.

When I read this Scripture above, I’m reminded that human perfection isn’t possible. It’s not even God’s desire for us. If I can achieve perfection on my own, then I’m completely self-sufficient and don’t need anyone else, certainly not God. I forget that my failures, mistakes, and flaws remind me of my dependence on God and lead me to draw near to him time and again.

Paul shares his experience of this truth with the Corinthians. He asked God to remove something with which he struggled from his life. He pleaded multiple times with God, but God did not acquiesce. Instead, he lovingly reminded Paul that human deficiency showcases God’s power. Paul’s response was: “For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:10 NIV)

It’s the same with us. God wants to display his power through our lives, and the best way to make himself known is through people who rely on him for their provision and strength. I, too, should rejoice that God has allowed failure and weakness to remind me of my need for him and his ability to provide in miraculous ways. My mistakes have reminded me of my humanness, yes, but they have also reminded me of God’s grace and power.

While I’ve felt humiliation and shame due to some of my face-plants, I’ve also experienced God’s incredible capacity to bring good out of even the most cringe-worthy events. Often the good comes from the ability to offer encouragement or wisdom to another person by sharing my story. It does require admitting my imperfections, but God has shown me that my flaws make me more relatable to others.

As the length and closeness of my relationship with God increase, my desire to be seen as perfect by others continues to decrease. I see the flaws of others and appreciate people more because of their authenticity. I’ve learned that there’s more joy and freedom to be found in relationships where everyone is honest and no one worries about appearing perfect.

Lord, thank you for the ways you remind me of my need for you. Thank you for the people in my life who have demonstrated the truth that your strength and power are found in my weaknesses. I don’t always find struggles and flaws pleasant but I know you have my best interests in mind. Help me, like Paul, to learn to rejoice in my weakness, knowing it provides an opportunity for you to display your power and love to others. May I never forget my need for you in my life. May my desire for your glory overshadow my discomfort in being vulnerable. Amen.

Scriptures for Reflection

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:14-16 ESV)

“‘Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.’ And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8:39 ESV)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (Eph. 6:10 ESV)

Reach for More

Have you experienced the reality of God’s power being made known through your weaknesses? Do you know someone who embodies this message? Share it with us on social media using the hashtag #reachformore.

Megan Byrd is a mother of two who loves reading, writing, traveling, and introverting. When she’s not at a class at the gym, she can either be found perusing used book stores for great deals or exploring her new town of Asheville, NC. She is the author of Between Us Girls and can be found chronicling her reading journey @meganbyrdreads on Instagram or writing about life at meganbyrd.net.

Photograph © Designecologist, used with permission