I’ve felt a lot of pressure lately to be perfect. Can you relate? I know I need to quit trying to be perfect but give it to God instead. To be honest, I just don’t know how.
Here’s what I do know… God is continually forming us into who He’s calling us to be. Our decisions and life experiences can either refine us or break us, the choice is up to us. Perseverance and trials only make us stronger in character. Lastly, He is working things out behind the scenes for our good.
So how can we overcome this self-induced pressure?
I’m learning that I have to:
- Really trust God
- Not be anxious
- Stop placing so much stress on myself
“Let go and let God” is the popular saying but it seems so hard to really do.
We aren’t perfect so why do we still try so hard to be? We are literally striving after the wind and will never win this fight. Do you know who is perfect? God.
Who has all the answers, knows the right timing for things, and has all the ability to work everything out? God. He calls and orchestrates His will through us. All we have to do is allow Him to and get out of the way.
I was at a Women’s Retreat recently and the speaker that morning had a message that spoke right to me. Have you ever felt like the Lord was using a pastor or guest speaker to speak directly to you? Sometimes it makes me want to sink down in my seat because I feel exposed. In the end, it works because it was exactly what I needed to hear.
This is what the message from the Lord was this: “you are released from the pressure to be perfect.” At the time no one knew this but me but I was feeling pressure closing in on me. I was feeling pressure to be perfect with not only my blog but everything. I’ve felt like I have this great responsibility and privilege to share with a community of believers and I want it to be perfect for you all.
Wherever you are right now with pressures in your life, God is also whispering to you: daughter you are released from the pressure to be perfect. You don’t have to “have it all together” and honestly, no one does anyway (even if it appears that way)!
I LOVE the verse above because it just confirms that God’s grace is sufficient for us! And not only that, Paul takes it a step farther. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. God’s power is unending and more than we can comprehend. The fact that we receive His power is astounding to me. God gives us strength in the midst of our chaos and weakness to overcome whatever life throws at us. This news is so reassuring to my soul as I hope it is for you too.
I’m so glad that it’s NOT all on you and me! God is wanting you and me to know that we are released from the pressure to be perfect. When we choose to stop letting stress get the best of us, we will be FREE!
I don’t know about you but I choose to give my anxious thoughts, insecurities, and pressure to be perfect to God. When we lay this down at His feet, we will be released from this burden.
It’s all You God, show us the way! You are in control.
A Prayer For You
Jesus thank You for releasing me from pressure to be perfect. Thank You that Your grace is enough for me. In my weakness, Your power is made perfect in my life. Please show me how to truly overcome worry and place my trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Below is a cute music video about breaking up with fear. To me, fear and pressure go hand in hand. Let’s break up with the pressure to be perfect and any fear stealing our joy!
Exciting things happening soon so be watching for new posts!
Stay hopeful!
5 Comments
“Perfection is the enemy of the good.”
Nice post. I’m not religious but can relate to doing one’s best and not freaking out about being perfect.
Thx for the follow!
Hey thanks Paula! I also heard something recently about this topic but in reference to building your platform online from Michael Hyatt. He said, “Perfectionism is the mother of procrastination.”
Perctionism will hold you back! Love this devotional! Hello from a fellow Okie girl!
Hi Susan, so true! Having a baby has released me from that haha. I’m glad to meet a fellow Okie!