I am drawn to quilts like a moth to a flame. The colors, patterns, and placement of the fabric of these handmade works of art mesmerize me. You might say that I am a collector. Some of my most treasured quilts have serious wear and tear, even holes in them. Others have seams that are not straight and fabric that should never go together. One day, I asked, “What is it about
quilts?” My husband said, “They are like people; you are drawn to their stories, uniqueness, and what makes them who they are.” As I talked to the Lord about this, I sensed two words – perfectly imperfect. These two words also opened my eyes and heart to a much deeper truth – this is the way the Father sees us. He does not see our imperfections; He only sees us as
wonderful (Psalms 139:13-16). We don’t have to strive to be perfect; we just have to know Him (Psalm 46:10). We don’t have to perform to have His love; all we have to do is keep our eyes fixed on Him (Hebrews 12:2). We don’t have to attain perfection; He has made us perfect in Jesus (Hebrews 10:12,14). He doesn’t see the mistakes, the crooked seams, the worn places, or the missing stitches. When the Father looks at us, He only sees the beauty and perfection of a life covered by the love of Jesus that was created for a specific purpose. Because of this love, we can see ourselves and others in the way He sees us, perfectly imperfect.
Prayer:
Father God, I thank You for covering my imperfections with the love of Jesus. Open my eyes so that I can see myself the way You see me. Open my eyes and heart to see others in the same way so that I can appreciate their uniqueness and beauty.
Psalm 139:13-16
For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Hebrews 12:2
… looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 10:12,14
But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God … For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Stephanie Sanders
