A Scripture devotional can be so powerful, but where do we begin? Getting started reading the Bible is tricky… so we’ve compiled verse reflections like this one with a Bible verse for today to help us connect with God in everyday moments.
I Need to Be Perfect
Perfection has become an expectation. When you try something new for the first time, it can be frustrating not to be instantly skilled. Or, when you decide to commit to a new routine or habit, and then quickly “fall off the wagon,” it’s easy to immediately fall into a state of defeatism. If you struggle with feeling like, “I need to be perfect,” be patient with yourself, friend. God does not have the expectation of perfection that you have set for yourself.
Let Abby take a moment to remind you of how God is the artist and how he works in us through this process of transformation.
Philippians 1:6
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Written by Abby Ciona
I’ve been in a university painting class for several weeks, and I’m amazed at how effortlessly and quickly my art professor swirls together colors and sketches realistic faces. He makes it look so easy! But I know behind every great artwork, there is a lifetime of practice.
Often, we skip past the long process to admire a finished project. But masterpieces aren’t created in a day: they take months and years of hard work. The process of creating brings to mind what Paul wrote to the church of Philippi. He prayed that God would continue to help them grow in love, wisdom, and righteousness: becoming pure, just, and more like Jesus. Paul was confident that God would complete the work he started in them.
God is the artist and Creator of the whole world. The elaborate creation story in Genesis reminds me that God cares about creating, not just the product. The process of transformation in your life is important to him. Similarly, Isaiah 64:8 says that God is our potter, and we are the clay: he is molding and shaping us to be who he made us to be.
Why It Matters
Maybe you are in a challenging situation right now. But God can work through the struggles in your life to bring you closer to him. Art isn’t easy. Art takes time. But we can trust that our artist, God, is good. He makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and he will finish the masterpiece that he started in your life.
Simple Bible devotions are a great way to connect with God in the everyday. We’ve got verse reflections that help us see reasons why the Bible is relevant today. Visit this page to check them out!
