The photo at the beginning of this devotional is in one of my journals. There was a time in my life when that photo served as a regular reminder that life could be enjoyed and wonderful without being perfect. Let’s be honest though sometimes we just want perfect, not imperfectly perfect.
In conversation with someone I love deeply we were discussing life’s imperfections. As we were chatting, I could see the hurt in their eyes and hear the hurt in their voice. The more we talked however they began to use “always and never” statements.
In that moment I felt the Holy Spirit say, “that’s not truth. All the good is not void because of some bad. There are sweet perfect moments amidst the imperfection of life.” I shared this confirming word with my loved one.
Guess what happened? Silence and a frustrated stare. The truth affirming word wasn’t received.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if when a word from the Lord came it could be like “Boom, mic drop!”? We instantly receive it and believed it in our hearts. Don’t get me wrong, there may be times that’s the case but when we’re hurt, when we’re grieving for what could’ve been or what we thought would’ve been “perfect” we can miss what God has to say.
Transparently, I’ll share I remember praying and crying during one chapter of life that felt overwhelming imperfect. It was a time when my dream of what I thought would be perfect was shattering. At the time I was angry, so angry that I screamed at God, “Why??, Why can’t it just be Hallmark????”
Its ok to giggle here. I mean Hallmark!? But, please tell me I’m not alone in grieving for and even feeling cheated by what I thought would’ve been “perfect”.
Here’s the thing though, brace yourselves Hallmark lovers, Hallmark movies aren’t real nor are they perfect. These movies usually have unfulfilled or broken relationships, a parent or spouse who has died, a workaholic, a business closing, etc.
These movies are imperfectly perfect. They have trials, struggles, worries and yet always have happy endings.
That’s where they are as close to real life as it gets. We have trials, struggles, worries, and yet if we believe and follow Jesus we are guaranteed a happy ending, a perfect heaven.
Let’s not miss what God has to say, reminding us that this is an imperfectly perfect life, where the trials and struggles grow our faith, where we’re told not to worry God’s got it all under control and best of all the promises of heaven is our perfect happy ending.
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
James 1:2-4
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:27
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
Lord, thank you for having the perfect place in store for us. Thank you for being able to handle our questions and even our misplaced desire for what we think would be perfect. May we seek You more in those moments and allow You and Your word to fill us with hope in your perfect eternity knowing that anything from this imperfect world will fall short. May In Jesus Name. Amen.
This week’s playlist:
Riley Clemmons – Broken Prayers (Official Video) – YouTube
Broken Prayers
Riley Clemmons
Bryan & Katie Torwalt – Praise Before My Breakthrough (Lyric Video) – YouTube
Praise Before My Breakthrough
Bryan & Katie Torwalt
Hope Darst – Promise Keeper (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
Promise Keeper
Hope Darst
Written January 19, 2020
Updated August 31, 2021
