Everyday, I encounter such a simple, humbling truth: I am flawed and far from perfection. (Did I say “far”?) Just like Paul, I find myself in inner conflict and repeatedly doing the exact opposite of what I actually want to do. Speaking unwholesome talk; putting myself before another; snoozing past the time I’ve set aside to spend with Him. *Sigh* But thank God, that in each convicting moment, He presents hope. He takes my lack of expectation in becoming any better and uses it (again and again) as an opportunity to turn my heart toward Him and the realization that He is working on me.

It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, He did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process. Hebrews 10:14 (MSG)

In His perfection, He made the utmost sacrifice to make it possible for us to be purified and perfected. In turn, we are His construction sites. Daily, He is working on our hearts and our minds – pruning and disciplining us; digging out the junk and building new. All, in order to complete the construction, accomplish and carry through to the end what He designed and began; to bring to a successful conclusion, to fulfill and achieve spiritual maturity.

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 (MSG)

We cannot perfect ourselves; only He can. We are His loving work in progress. He gives us grace through it all and desires that we give grace to ourselves.

“There is hope for me yet / Because God won’t forget / All the plans He’s made for me / I have to wait and see / He’s not finished with me yet”  Wait and See, Brandon Heath