I Can't Be Perfect

Trying to Be Perfect

Dear Jesus,

I am so frustrated and disappointed in myself. I want to be better than I am, and I want to do bigger and greater things. I know I’m not being all I can be — not for myself, not for those around me, and definitely not for You.

Lord, I feel as if I have to be perfect all the time. And because I can’t be perfect, I feel like a failure.

It’s putting so much stress on me! I know that only You are perfect and that You don’t expect me to be perfect — You only expect me to trust You. But sometimes it’s so hard.

In this world, it’s all about being on top, being the best. But Your definition of success isn’t the same as the world’s definition, is it, Lord? Please change my view. Make it match Your own. Show me the life You would have me live — and then please bless me with the courage, strength, and wisdom to live it.

I pray that You would help me be the person You created me to be. Show me the path You want me to follow. I need You, Jesus — and I thank You for hearing me and helping me.

Let us keep looking to Jesus. He is the one who started this journey of faith. And He is the one who completes the journey of faith. — Hebrews 12:2 NIRV

It is good to want to be just like Jesus, but remember, He is God and the only One who is absolutely perfect. If you feel disappointed in yourself because you expect perfection, it’s time to revisit your expectations. It’s time to give yourself some grace. God expects you to be faithful, not perfect. Think about the goals, both personal and spiritual, you’re trying to accomplish. Are you expecting perfection? In what areas of your life might you need to give yourself some grace?

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Do I Disappoint You?

Dear Jesus,

I feel like such a child — a willful, stubborn, misbehaving child. I’ve let myself down, and I let You down too, haven’t I? Please forgive me, Lord. I’m so very sorry.

I know you understand that I’m a sinner. You don’t expect me to be perfect. But I still have to wonder: Are You disappointed in me?

I’ve even avoided coming to You in prayer until now because I’ve felt so guilty and so ashamed. I didn’t want to face You. Instead, I’ve tried to work up the courage to come to You and be reassured of Your love.

And yet You come to meet me, to comfort me as I pray. I’ve brought this sin to You, and I can already feel You lifting it away, cleansing my heart and soul. Why do I worry? I know that You love me! Nothing I could ever do would change that. So forgive me, Lord, for my sin and for avoiding You. And thank You for loving me even when I disappoint You.

Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:38-39

You never have to run from Jesus when you’ve done something wrong. First John 1:9 says,

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Is there something you need to confess to Jesus? Pour out your heart to Him here, and let the power of His love and forgiveness heal you.

Excerpted with permission from Jesus, I Need You, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

Faithful, not perfect — that is the standard. If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to get discouraged because we fall short, we make mistakes, and it seems like other women do it so much better, right? But, God is not mad at us! We can come to Him any time and pour out our hearts about our sins and failures and He is so eager to forgive and wipe our souls clean again. Oh, how we need Jesus! Come share your comments on our blog. We would love to hear from you about laying down our aspirations for perfection and accepting Jesus’ forgiveness. ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full