Playing Catch Up
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Insight
If you’re like me, you had that friend growing up who always seemed to be the next level of better. For me, it was my “bestie.” Friends since the age of three, we were always together, doing the same things. She earned 2nd place in our town’s Fire Prevention Poster contest to my 3rd place. She got the female lead in our youth group musical while I landed a lesser “supporting role” and got lumped into the chorus for the ensemble numbers. She was even five months older than me, earning, in her view, the title of “older & wiser big sister.” In the years to follow, she was married before me. A mom before me. I often felt like, when it came to our relationship, that I was the one “playing catch up.”
Perhaps you can relate with my struggle of identity, self-concept, and esteem. I had an external measure of worth & value that was crippling. As the years passed, I made a conscious decision to limit the number of mirrors in my house. My perception of what I saw seemed to be defined by what I wasn’t. But Jesus is changing that.
In the painstaking process of becoming, I am learning that it’s the “breaks and cracks” of my life that allow His light to shine through. Today’s scripture reminds me that Jesus is the pioneer and perfector of my faith. The Greek translation of Perfector is “finisher” or “completer.” In Him, there is a wholeness to who we are. One that cannot be found chasing an ideal of performance that keeps us feeling “less than.” He has gone before me, paving the way for my next steps. Focusing on Jesus helps me be humble and grateful, an ideal posture for hearing His truth and promises. He says I am His beloved child.
In Matthew West’s song, “Mended,” we can see ourselves through God’s perspective. He sings, “You see pain, but I see a purpose. This is where love’s work begins. I’m making all things new. And I will make a miracle of you.” Wouldn’t we all love to see ourselves as a miracle? I could see the “just not good enough.” Or, I can see God’s incredible love. His forgiveness. His Grace. His faithful redemption. The Japanese art of Kintsugi – repairing broken pottery with gold – magnifies the idea of embracing imperfections to create beautiful artwork. This is symbolic of the work of Jesus. When I remember to fix my eyes on Him, not my flaws, His example and not my errors, I then step with Him at the pace and in the manner He has created just for me.
Australian-American Christian speaker, Nick Vujicic, born without arms and legs, states, “It’s a lie to think you’re not good enough.” Remarkable. We are all good enough to carry out the unique purpose and plans Jesus has for all of us. What we see, however, with our eyes, our heart, our spirit will determine our choices. Whether we run the race marked out for us or sit on the sidelines wishing we were good enough to get out there.
I want to see myself as Jesus does, with a spirit full of forgiveness, full of compassion, full of love and encouragement. My story is His story in me. He mends my broken pieces with beauty, redemption & victory.
Reflection
What does your reflection tell you? What would you like it to say?
What truth that God says about you can help you see yourself through His eyes? Take a moment to ask God for His help in seeing you as He does.
Prayer
Father, I am so grateful that You have created me to bear Your Image. Through my flaws and failures, Your light is what matters. You walk with me, lift me in my struggle, put me back together and guide me closer and closer to the person You have created me to be. I pray that my struggle tells a story of the beauty of salvation. Of purpose, meaning, and becoming. Not perfection, but perspective. Help my perspective, Father, be shaped by Your love, forgiveness, and grace. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Port City writer Paula Argenio wrote today’s devotional.
