Perfectly Imperfect - Encouragement Café - December 21, 2016

Perfectly Imperfect
By Jamy Whitaker
Wednesday, December 21, 2016

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.  >Malachi 3:3 NIV

As a busy wife and mother, I find myself striving for perfection only to be disappointed for falling short.  As a closet perfectionist, it is difficult to let go of that preconceived notion.  

There is no such thing as a perfect wife, mother or Christian. Therefore, we need to accept this fact but be willing to have God refine us – smooth off those rough edges, so we can move closer to Christ’s example.

This makes me think back to when I was younger and learning to play the piano.  

I would practice and practice, longing to please my teacher and play the song perfectly. I would go in for my lesson, sit on the bend and play the song striving to perform it without any mistakes. No matter how many hours I had put into the particular piece that week, the teacher had some adjustments I needed to make to compose the song better.

The same idea is true in our lives.  

God, our teacher, refines us to make us better. As a piano student, I had the choice as to whether to take the teacher’s suggestions.  

You and I have the same choice in our Christian walk. If we want to get better, we must choose to listen to God and let Him refine us. The process may be difficult or even hurt at times, but is worth it in the end.  His reflection in our lives will become clearer to those around us.

What areas in your life does God need to refine? Will you allow Him to smooth those rough edges?

Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today in my imperfections.  I ask that You refine me, smoothing my rough edges to be more like You. I know that it will be difficult and even hurt at times, but You know what is best for me. I fully trust in You and put my life in Your hands – mold and make me into what You would have.  I long for Your reflection to show clearer in my life to the world around me.  In Your Precious Name, Amen.

© 2016 by Jamy Whitaker.  All rights reserved.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?  Pull up a chair… He’s been waiting for you.

Need a refill?  Please join us at the Encouragement Café with Luann and Friends. 

The conversation at the Café is always hot and fresh.  We invite you to listen inas we gather around the table to discuss everyday life.

Comfort food for your soul is always on our menu, and friends are always close enough to hug.  We invite you to join us daily, as our writer’s share how the Lord continues to transform them into His glorious image.

Still craving more…Join us as we grow together in grace and truth through our online bible study.

Stop by Encouragement Café and listen as the girls share life. Find podcasts, videos, Bible studies, prayer, resources and daily helpings of hope, laughter and friendship around our table. We've saved a seat just for you!