It's OK! You Don't Have to Be Perfect
Colette Toach
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How many times have you faced rejection and trials in life? If you had to say, "not once" then you have not been born yet! Rejection and striving is part of every day living. Trying to make it in the 'big world' is part of our living. Trying to get a job, trying to get good grades, trying, striving, pushing! Trying to sell yourself, trying to convince others that you are worth it. It is an endless struggle of walking in circles. But if you do not put on that image and if you do not prove to others that you are worth it, you lose the job, position, grades and everything else that comes with it.

Yet now you come to the Lord and are brought to the work of the cross. Does the striving stop? I am afraid to say that for many it does not - it only changes emphasis. For as you tried to convince the world of your merits, you now try to do the same in the church. If people do not think highly of you, you will be overlooked. If you do not flow in the gifts, speak as a teacher, appear a good leader, then you will not be given the position of 'apostle' that you desire from God.

Just by reading this, can you see how it negates the gift of the cross? I want to let you in on a little secret today, "The Lord did not call you for that good resume you presented Him, He called you for your weaknesses, so that His name would be glorified!" Has the Lord called you to be an apostle? Wonderful! Because that means that you are scum and the most weak individual He could find! How glorious is our Father! That He takes the foolish things to confound the wise.

Today I present a profound truth to you, "The Lord does not expect perfection, He expects commitment of heart!" Your perfection will be found in your desires and in your zeal, not in your accomplishments. It is actually ok to admit that you are not there yet. It is ok to admit that you are still at the bottom of the ladder. It is ok to admit that you do not look like an apostle yet. It is ok to still look like a shepherd! It does not mean that because David was still looking after sheep that He was not anointed King.

You do not need to prove anything to man or to God! Just be the shepherd you are for now and the Lord will begin to transform you into that Davidic warrior that you are called to be!

So when someone asks you, "So what are you called to?" it is ok to reply, "The Lord has called me to an apostolic ministry"

If they say, "So what have you done to prove this ministry? How many churches are under you?" It is ok to say, "I am still in training, I have not done anything yet other than look after a few sheep and sit in the meadows all day!"

It is ok! You do not have to be perfect, only willing. If you are prepared to be honest with yourself and with those around you, the Lord will raise you up in their sight and in your own. But if you desire to strut around looking like a king and you are only a servant, then you will be brought to the cross in humility.

Who cares what man has to say! Because you and I both know something they do not, "This small shepherd boy is destined for great things and today he might look unassuming, but give him just a few years and the nations will tremble at his feet!