Perseverance, Grace, and Good Enough

Perseverance, Grace, and Good Enough
Women2Women
February 2023

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

I’ve set a goal to read through the Bible from cover to cover in 2023. As I recently sat on my couch and read a few chapters, I looked at the date of where I am versus where I "should be." I felt a little pang of guilt when I realized I'm about a week behind.

In years past, this would have derailed me. I would have thought, "I'm so far behind already; I'll never get caught up," and would have given up the goal.

Perfectionism can be a great enemy to the purposes God has placed in our lives, and the enemy will use whatever tools are at his disposal to eat away at our intentions.

How are you doing so far in your pursuit for A Purposeful 2023?

I don’t ask this question to cause you guilt. I’m a firm believer that we all need to give ourselves more grace. However, let's address those sneaky little challenges that come up when we're trying to develop the tiny habits that will take us closer to reaching our goals.

Pastor Chris recently had a sermon series on tiny habits and how they can make a big impact. You can access that through our website and our Facebook page. A very timely topic, as January is often a time of setting forth intentions for the year. Goals, resolutions, whatever you want to call it. We plan those tiny habits that will lead us to the goals and purposes God is placing in our lives.

However, by February, some of us find ourselves waning from the initial excitement and enthusiasm as the realities of our lives pose challenges along the way.

Thus, me being behind in my daily Bible readings.

The enemy eats away at our good intentions as he whispers, "You're already behind; just give up."

Sometimes we throw in the towel, declaring that if we can't do it perfectly, then we won't do it at all.

Why should I even try?

Why? Because God doesn't ask for perfection. He asks for our obedience, and if we are consistently obeying him in the small steps and not giving up when we have some setbacks, then we will reach the goals he is placing in our lives for his purposes.

So don't beat yourself up if you've found your enthusiasm waning. Rather, renew your commitment to the tiny steps you can consistently take in the direction you are being led.

Maybe it'll take me two years instead of one to get through the Bible from cover to cover.

And that's okay.

At the end of the day, in order to avoid burnout and throwing in the towel, we must ask ourselves what is our "good enough?"

Maybe your good enough today was to read one chapter of the Bible, or another book on your reading list. Maybe your good enough today was to get through a step or two on a project rather than fully completing the bigger picture. Maybe your good enough today was picking the veggie pizza over the mega works with all the toppings. Maybe you're good enough today was keeping up with the diapers and letting the laundry and dishes go. Maybe you're good enough today was simply getting out of bed.*

My friends, give yourselves grace for the process, let go of the perfectionism, and keep taking steps in the direction of the purposes and goals God is placing in your life.

What is your "good enough" for today?

Heavenly Father, we are women who long to live our lives in a way that serves others, but we often put ourselves on the back burner in the process. Guide our steps so that we can continue to walk toward the purposes and goals that you are placing before us. Help us not to lose heart and to let go of perfectionism. Help us to know your love for us, even and especially on the days when we feel like we didn't accomplish anything. Help us to know your forgiveness and to forgive ourselves along the way, so that we can pick back up where we left off, knowing that each day brings renewed hope and opportunity to serve you by loving those you place in our lives; however, that may look through the way you have gifted each of us to uniquely reflect you into the world. We praise you for your love and grace. Amen.

*If you are struggling, please reach out to our pastors or a mental health professional. If you don't know where to start, we can help get you connected. You are never alone, you are worthy, and you are greatly loved.

-Laura Greer

Women2Women

Women2Women is a ministry that encourages women to cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ while also exploring how God has uniquely created, gifted, and called each of us. We connect with women where they are in life’s journey, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, health and wellness, intergenerational fellowship, friendship, and mentoring. Events and retreats are targeted to the needs of women so we can grow deeper in our faith, develop our gifts and abilities, and establish long lasting friendships. For more information, contact Laura Greer at (828) 456-3993, ext. 204 or Laura.Greer@LongsChapel.com, or Vickie Staib at (828) 646-8819