Perfect Imperfections - Encouragement Café - April 5, 2017
Perfect Imperfections
By Noelle Dey
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT
As a teenager, I used to wonder when I would mature… physically and emotionally. I’m in my 40’s now and I’m still waiting. Physically that is.
Do you know any 40+ year-old women who have 12 year-old boy bodies? Well, now you do. For years I was plagued with a distorted body image. Oh how badly I wanted a couple of curves!
Be careful what you ask for, right?
When I was 23, God did give me two extra large body parts. Maybe He misheard my prayers. Because the two voluptuous body parts He blessed me with were my kidneys in the form of polycystic kidney disease.
I never struggled to see the unique loveliness in others. But when I held a mirror to myself, I only saw flaws. And then God gave me revelation. Since He shows no favoritism, the beauty I saw in others was also in me.
God whispered into my heart,
You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way. Song of Solomon 4:7
As God healed my self-esteem, miracles surrounded me. I would cross paths with others who were imprisoned with a negative body image. I was able to hold them through their tears and walk with them on their healing journey.
And due to my polycystic kidney disease and my heart failure which came five years after my PKD diagnosis, I have been able to gain instant rapport with patients who have been given frightening news.
Our unique God-authored stories are powerful tools. When we embrace them… especially the difficult chapters… doors open for us to tell the ultimate story of hope and love.
In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul likens us to fragile jars of clay. But inside of our bodily jars, we are filled with bright, shining treasure. If it weren’t for our imperfections, God’s light wouldn’t be able to shine through!
What are the “flaws” in your jar of clay? How does God’s healing light shine out of you?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving each of us a unique story. Help us to embrace our flaws so Your beautiful light will shine brightly through us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
For more encouragement, check out Noelle’s book Transformation by Truth: 30 days to a healthy heart, mind and body.
© 2017 by Noelle Dey. All rights reserved
Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Pull up a chair… He’s been waiting for you.
Need a refill? Please join us at the Encouragement Café with Luann and Friends.
The conversation at the Café is always hot and fresh. We invite you to listen inas we gather around the table to discuss everyday life.
Comfort food for your soul is always on our menu, and friends are always close enough to hug. We invite you to join us daily, as our writer’s share how the Lord continues to transform them into His glorious image.
Still craving more…Join us as we grow together in grace and truth through our online bible study.
Stop by Encouragement Café and listen as the girls share life. Find podcasts, videos, Bible studies, prayer, resources and daily helpings of hope, laughter and friendship around our table. We've saved a seat just for you!
