As the short video finished you could hear a pin drop. In a church our size, that’s saying something. It was subtle yet powerful and left many of us thinking deeply.

It bore witness to a reality of parenthood (or life) that could easily be taken for granted, missed or worse, ignored.

In the very encouraging message, my pastor said something that resonates deeply with my own life experience: “Your imperfections do not define you”.

Oh, but too often we let them and it’s crippling.

I think a lot about how my imperfect parenting and walk with God has impacted my family and future generations.

Did they at least see me turn to God? Do they believe that I believe – and live it faithfully?

Then today as I read Isaiah 43 something landed differently.

The end of the chapter stings because it’s clear there are consequences to our imperfect lives when we have also chosen to ignore God Isa. 43:22-28.

Yet it begins with an amazing promise that no matter what God’s people go through He will get them through. He doesn’t promise deliverance; He promises presence (Isa. 43:1-5).

And in the middle of the chapter verse 10 says, “Ye are my witnesses”. We are God’s witness to the fact that He is faithful even if we’re not. We’re the proof of His grace!

Your imperfections will not cancel God’s promises. He’s with you, for you and will get you through: imperfections and all.

In Sunday’s message my pastor challenged us to a realistic kind of faithfulness free of guilt and shame, to a “position of faithful influence, not a model of perfection.”

In that video, at the end of the day when things got quiet a tired mom chose to sit at a table and read God’s word for replenishment instead of all her other choices.

No pretense, she just knew the true source of her strength and refreshment.

Then as I read Isa. 44:1-4 I was floored.

Imperfections and all, God promises to pour out His Spirit like water upon dry ground that brings abundant replenishment and blessing –

Not just upon me, but upon my children because it doesn’t depend upon my performance – it’s God’s promise to His imperfect people.

Can I get a witness!

I don’t know where you’ve been turning for refreshment but like that mom in the video maybe it’s time to find a quiet place and open God’s word and be replenished.

If time with God has gone dry, here’s another promise you won’t want to miss: Pro. 1:23.

So, here are two questions to think about. Where are you allowing your imperfections to define you instead of God’s grace? And where can you become a model of faithful influence instead of perfection? Reply and let me know. I love hearing from you.

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PS. If you’d like your Bible reading made easier, more enjoyable and understandable this free one-hour webinar is for you. Choose your day and time here.

I’m hosting free Bible Reading Made Easier and Enjoyable webinars this month to help you get more from your Bible every time you read it and encourage you to read it more.

These live one-hour events are being offered free for the May 12^th– 28^th events only. And hey, it will also be a good chance for us to finally meet. Choose your event here.

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Or check out the one-hour webinar that makes Bible reading easier, more enjoyable and understandable. Several May events are free. Choose your day and time here.

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