Perfect

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV

Referencing the word perfect from this verse in my Bible brought me to another verse in Matthew.

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 5:48 KJV

The word perfect in this verse in Matthew implies or means full development or growth into maturity of godliness, NOT sinless perfection. Not man's definition of perfection.

I would like to share what God gave me through these scriptures, and that is that HIS strength, HIS ways, HIS kindness, HIS knowledge and understanding, are more fully or effectively IMPARTED to us in OUR weaknesses. OUR weaknesses are what gives him space and opportunity to "perfect" us for our work and/or ministry for him.

"Perfecting" means becoming more mature in our walk with God. It is the process of growing, learning and striving to be more and more like him. This can only happen if we allow him to reveal our weaknesses to us. Those places within us that hinder us or keep us from being more and doing more for God, THOSE places within us are going to be our biggest opportunities for growth. What we may see as a weakness or setback, God sees as an opportunity.

How can we grow in God if we are never faced with a challenge or trial? During these times is when we can more clearly see the areas in our lives that need work. Sometimes we don't understand why things happen the way they do. But the scripture says that we GLORY in our infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon us. His grace is sufficient. Yes, we have weaknesses, we go through trials, we have hardships. But in all these things, we can be glad, because in these times is when God is imparting his grace to us so that we can become more "perfect" in our service for his kingdom and for his glory.

When we are weak, HE is strong in our lives. Our flesh is weak and it is only through him that we are anything that we are. By his grace only, not our own works. We must be humble in our walk with him. He resists the proud and gives GRACE to the humble. Where our sins or weaknesses abound, his GRACE does much more abound. Let us humble ourselves, so that in due time, HIS time, HE will exalt us. WE must become LESS so that HE can become greater. Every part of us that he strips away, is only allowing him to become greater in our lives.

Thank God for trials and hardships we face. In those times is when his power, love and greatness are all made so much more evident in our lives.