Perfectly Imperfect

Before you start reading, click this link first and get the song playing in the background as you read this: Wouldn’t Change a Thing – Matthew West (then come back to this page). Or maybe listen to it first, then read.

I used to have this visualization of what my life would be like when I got older. You know, stuff like what my house would look like, my husband, kids, career….pretty much everything in my life. I wanted them to all fit into a box that I created. Things that would happen on my terms and when I wanted them all to happen. I had them all planned out. Oh yeah…life will be so great when I…and then this will happen…and then this and this…

Reality.

Nothing that I had envisioned in “my future world” actually occurred. In fact, most things went completely the opposite of what I had imagined them to be…the way I had planned them all out to happen.

It is interesting how we think when we are young. We believe that we can control our lives and that we can actually plan shit out and it will go exactly as calculated. No obstacles. This is what is gonna happen. It is OUR will be done. Get out of my way! Most of us may still think that way.

I bet God gets a really good chuckle out of that. We think we know better than He does. 

I used to put God in my back pocket. Made Him small. When I needed Him, I would pull Him out and then when I believed I was done with Him, I put Him back. Thanks God, I am good now. Get back in there. I don’t need you right now. I didn’t accept the actuality of the truth: He’s bigger than that. Bigger than I could ever fathom. He doesn’t fit in my back pocket. Not even a little.

And, well, He knows better than I do. Always. Even when I don’t understand, His ways are better than mine. His thoughts are higher than mine.

My life has been messy and unpredictable. Intoxicating and sensational. Astonishing and fascinating. Remarkable and extraordinary. I have had deepest sorrow and the most joyous of joys. I have felt the worst heartbreak and the most exceptional unconditional love. 

None of which I had planned. 

Some things completely sucked while they happened….for a little while. Until I woke up one day and they sucked no more. I realized that things actually turned out for the best. To create a better me. Well heck, I didn’t plan that.

Of course you didn’t...God whispers to my soul. I taught you patience today, Jen.

I showed you love today.

I showed you how strong you are in Me.

I showed you how to overcome.

I showed you peace.

Understanding and empathy.

I showed you dependence upon Me.

You need to slow down and be still with Me. This is your wake up call.

I showed you that My way was way better than the one you thought you wanted.

Things could have been very different, you know. If I had an alternative mindset, I would hate my life. I would be bitter…discontented. I would have taken all of the really crappy things that have happened in my life and I would have had a big ole pity party for myself because only focusing on the negative things does that. I would be resentful because MY life…that perfect life that I wanted for myself didn’t happen. I would blame God if I still had Him in my back pocket. Let me pull Him out. This sucks, God. This really sucks. How could you let this happen?

When you feel like you are facing an impossible situation to overcome, in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

“Why does it seem like everyone else has such an easy life? Nothing ever happens to them.” I ask God. “Why did I have this obstacle? That is not fair.”

Don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s. You have no idea what struggles others have. I gave you all different gifts. This is the life I want YOU to have, not them. With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. So, rely on me and everything will be ok. BETTER than you would have ever dreamed of. I promise.

So many people struggle, not because of their circumstances…but because of their reaction to them. It is simple. You have to change your mindset.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The enemy WANTS us to be pissed. Give up. Get mad. Be bitter and disgruntled. He doesn’t like witnesses or examples of people who have characteristics of the loving Jesus…so he attacks our minds. Puts things in there to help us along with that suffering…to make it worse. He murmurs lies into our ears.

Don’t fall for it. Pick up your head and gaze up.

Learn to love your perfectly imperfect life. 

Your “plans” are not His plans…but oh, His plans…they are so much better if you let them be. 

When something happens that you don’t understand, let Him whisper to your spirit what He wants you to learn. Accept your situation and make peace with it, knowing that this day…

this moment…

this time…

this problem…

right now…

Will be ok. Seek His purpose, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Perfectly Imperfect. I cannot wait to share his testimony with you.?

Wouldn’t Change a Thing – Matthew West 

Click the above to hear one of my favorite songs!