Finding Strength in Faith and Connection Beyond Perfection

We hope you all had a chance to enjoy this beautiful weekend. We took our wives out on Lake Michigan for a boat cruise, and it was perfect. I love Michigan weather when it is good! On our way out to the lake, we saw a sign in front of a church while driving through Holland. It caught our attention. It said,

"If you are perfect, do not attend." Interesting way to get people to visit your church.

Today's Fist Bump exemplifies how God touches our lives uniquely and differently. It's always fun to see how God works if we stay attentive. Thinking about this, don't we all strive to be "perfect" somehow? We want to look good, perform well, impress our friends, and always reach for the next rung on the ladder. We set our standard on what the "world" tells us what "perfect" should be. The latest trends and HOT brands catch our attention. Check out this verse from Philippians:

"I have not yet reached my goal, and I am NOT perfect.  But Christ has taken hold of me. So, I keep running and struggling to take hold of the prize.  But I forget what is behind me and struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal of winning the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done." Philippians 3:12-14

Guys, face it. None of us are perfect, and we never will be. God knows this. However, he also knows that He created you to be the person you are. He loves you just like you are. His love for you goes beyond any logical explanation. In HIS eyes, you are perfect. 

So, when thinking about that sign in front of the church, God wants us to come to HIM, just like we are. Not like someone else we are trying to be. He wants us to go to him with all our imperfections. He knows you are NOT perfect. He wants us to be vulnerable with Him and rely on Him to be our Savior. Striving to be more like HIM daily but realizing perfection is not the goal. A life in eternity with HIM is the goal. That is the Gold medal! What Jesus did on the cross made that possible for each of us. 

We have continued to hear from those enjoying the Discovering Your Life Purpose challenge we proposed to you. Remember, find someone and ask them to go through the Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life book for 40 days. We have heard positive impacts from those doing the challenge with their children, siblings, and friends.

We heard from one this last week that he did the challenge with his daughter, which has greatly impacted their relationship. Another of you did the challenge with a person uncertain about their faith; as they went through the 40 days, they committed to Christ and developed a deeper friendship with the one who offered the challenge. Way to go! There is always time to start this. If you need a book, let us know. 

We know each of you is in different places. Some are joyful, some not so much. Whatever your situation, we pray for you daily that God will meet you where you are and provide you with what you need. He knows we are not perfect and loves us anyway! Yes, unconditionally.