Unfinished

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

I have several paintings and needlework projects in my closet that are unfinished. I never seem to find the time or the energy to pull them out and complete what I’ve started. So they sit there, on the shelf, waiting for me to miraculously uncover some free time somewhere in my schedule.

I am so thankful God never starts a work He doesn’t finish. You and I are works in progress. Though rough around the edges, our imperfections are not evidence that God has thrown in the towel and abandoned us for some more promising project. On the contrary, our flaws are reminders that God is molding us, shaping us, creating us to be what He wants us to be. We may not look like the other vases He’s fashioning on the potter’s wheel, but that’s okay. The design and purpose He has for each one of us is what truly matters.

So why are we so hard on ourselves if God is still working on us? Why try to hide our imperfections when He accepts us as we are? God’s love for us is not conditional. He doesn’t say, “Now wait a minute. I’ll love you once you get your act together. I’ll bless you once I’m satisfied with your behavior.” No, God loves us unconditionally. And it’s because of that wonderful love that He’s slowly, gradually, redeeming all our flaws and cracks, transforming us into His image.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your work in our lives. Even in the midst of the mundane, the everyday, you are shaping and molding us into your image. May we stay moldable and pliable in your hands, ever willing to be transformed into a vessel that is pleasing to you and useful to your service. In your name we pray, Amen.

Thought: “Anytime we feel not good enough we deny the powerful truth that we are a glorious work of God in progress. We are imperfect because we are unfinished.” – Lysa Terkeurst