Grace in Imperfection

Written by Miss Dorothy Matthews

2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is enough for you, for my power is brought to perfection in your weakness."

As I prepared for my first missionary trip to Africa, I was overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacies and unworthiness. Many questions and doubts came to mind: Why me? What could or would I teach? I am not a "super-saint;" therefore, surely, I am not qualified to go across the world and spread the Gospel of Christ. How could I effectively interact with the people if I don't understand their language and know the nuances of their culture? My greatest concern was that someone would miss salvation because I did not effectively convey the message of Christ in word or action.

2 Corinthians 2:19 assures me that I do not need to be, nor can I ever be, perfect. His grace is sufficient for me to do what He sends me to do. His power is made perfect in all my inadequacies if I allow Him to work in and through me. All of my shortcomings are opportunities for Him to demonstrate His strength. He asks for humble and willing workers, not perfect workers (Matthew 9:37-38). So, like Paul, (v. 9) I will boast in the goodness and strength of God as I make myself available to be used by Him.

He gives us all sufficient grace and new mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23) to accomplish 𝐨𝐮𝐫 assigned tasks and to run 𝐨𝐮𝐫 race. As Pastor Terry says, "He is God enough _______________."