The Paralysis of Perfection

Have you ever wanted to do something significant in a creative, innovative manner and then stopped short of realizing your dream? Most of us have, at one time or the other, dreamed big and delivered little. Something that was important to you made your heart beat a litter faster as you pondered the possibilities. You found yourself lying sleepless in bed thinking about the “what ifs” of stepping out in faith. If you’re like me you too have let divine opportunities come and go because you experienced the paralysis of perfection. Don’t hear me wrong. I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing right; however, I am convinced that some of my greatest accomplishments never came to be because I was limited by me. God never expected me to rely on me. In fact, God’s Word says, “‘My (referring to the Lord) grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I (Paul) will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10). So I ask the following: “What has God given you a vision for accomplishing within His Kingdom work?” “Are you relying on you and waiting until you have everything figured out?” If so, you might be waiting a long time as you experience the paralysis of perfection. Sometimes we have to let go and let God. I heard it said that “you should pray as though it all depends on God and work as though it all depended on you.” I appreciate the intent behind this statement, but also I believe that even in our work we must be cognizant of the fact that it is God’s strength alone that can accomplish things of eternal value. Be encouraged by these words, “[He] is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Eph. 3:20). So today, what is that one idea or area of ministry God has placed on your heart? How is God wanting you to be used in His Kingdom work? Don’t be limited by the paralysis of perfection. Pray, plan, pray some more, and then move forward in faith.