Playing around with applying vintage photo effects.
People who know me well, also know that I am a huge fan of Alabama football – and have been as long as I can remember. I was gifted tickets to this year’s homecoming game, so my bride and I got to go on a mini-vacation this past weekend! What a precious gift!
For the last few years, coach Nick Saban has been trying to build a National Championship team. Last year they made it all the way and won the coveted prize. They had a perfect season, and hopes were high for this year. But, they are not the same team this time around.
I think they can still do it, if things go right, but as I’ve watched them this year I’ve been surprised at how many mistakes the defense has been making. As any football fan knows, a bad defense usually leads to risk taking in the offense. They lost during the previous week, and while they won the homecoming game, the win came amid a lot of imperfection. A win is a win, but wow.
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
(1 Corinthians 2:1–5)
As a follower of Christ, I am bound up with imperfection. I sometimes represent the epitome of weakness and fear. My words (written and spoken) are fraught with mistakes and bumbling. But, because the Holy Spirit dwells in me, my service to the King is made fruitful. Because of God’s power, imperfect “me” is put to perfect use.
This is true for you, too. Don’t forget it. Don’t be afraid to step out for God’s purposes. God’s power will make a perfect difference with the imperfect “you.”
You were only 2 hours away from me while you were in T-town. That aside…
I love the message you are sharing and especially your closing statement:
Amen! I know it, I say I believe it, and yet I still struggle with this concept… I keep forgetting it is not about my ability but His.
Only 2 hrs? Now that I know that, we may need to have lunch or something next time I go. Dusty, I struggle with it too – that’s why we’ve got to stay in God’s word – He reminds us of these things as we study and contemplate.
Sounds like a plan.
Amen!
Amen! I am so thankful that God chooses to use me despite my flaws!
Me to, Kevin – most of the time
Geez, this message again. It’s like I need to hear it over and over or something.
I’ve got perfectionist tendencies (that’s putting it mildly) so when I fall short, I feel like God couldn’t possibly use me anymore. I say I’m not doubting Him, but myself when in reality if I was trusting Him I would trust what He’s said about me and made me to be instead of what I see right now. Needless to say, I need a lot of help and a lot of grace!
Thanks Herb. I appreciate the reminder.
“when I fall short, I feel like God couldn’t possibly use me anymore” <~~~ me too, yet he says, “Done with you, I am not…” (Yoda voice)
It is both endearing and disturbing that God speaks to you in a Yoda voice. Not judging, I’m a healthy dose of both of those myself.
I am glad to be disturbed a bit
Pic looks good man
keep rooting for your team!
thanks, mo!
Don’t be afraid to step out for God’s purposes. God’s power will make a perfect difference with the imperfect “you.” —–LOVE this.
Thanks be to God for the Spirit that works in our weakest of areas and uses them magnificently.
Excellent Post -
I pray every day for you now that you would repent of the sin of being a ‘Bama fan
Yes, thanks to our God!
P.S. “The dark side: calls to you, it does.” (Yoda Voice)
I do find myself wanting to dress in Red……
“This is true for you, too. Don’t forget it. Don’t be afraid to step out for God’s purposes. God’s power will make a perfect difference with the imperfect “you.”
Great encouragement bro’…I receive and believe it!
Thanks, Jay.
Don’t be afraid to step out…
Man, this is good stuff today.
Thanks, Michael.
Thanks for the post Herb. Too often lately I have been feeling like I totally fail.
Transparently, a moment of feelings of failure brought me to this passage. I relate. But, as they say, “You gotta be in it, to win it,” so I press on
Bad defense. Shaky offense. That describes my spiritual walk more than I car to admit. I too think that last paragraph/statement is huge.
“Bad defense. Shaky offense.” <~~~ Thanks, Bill – I doubt you are alone in that.
I’m imperfect and a perfectionist. I am a walking contradiction. I know I need Jesus all the way here in Germany. I pray that He gives the right words to say, plus it would be nice if they were German words.
David, missionaries are close to my heart – that means I pray often for you.
I really appreciated this blog post. I am currently a new blogger sharing my faith. I had just posted something about how self can get in the way of our Christian Walk. May God bless you in your ministry and in the days ahead.
Thanks for stopping by, April. I’ll check out your blog