Have you ever been blown away by the love of God as He reveals Himself as Father?

I distinctly remember the exact moment everything I thought I knew about God had changed. I began reading the book of Ezekiel as a challenge. As I read chapter by chapter, uncovering the story of Israel, God’s chosen but rebellious people, I couldn’t help but see myself in the story. I too have strayed away from God. I have chosen false gods when the one true God was faithful to me. I know what it’s like to feel far off from God’s plan for your life.

Right around the 20th chapter, God begins to speak a message to His people (vs 3). He reminds them about all the things they’ve been through, all the times God has shown Himself faithful, and all the times they have been unfaithful in return (vs 5). I love a great story and God is the best storyteller. He gives them the most concise play-by-play of every promise and fulfillment He has given followed by the reminders of their repeated choices to turn from God and disobey Him (vs 8). If it were reality TV, God would have been serving the biggest read of all times. 

God’s recollection of the past then turns into a declaration of the future (vs 41). He reminds them that He will judge their behaviors (vs 33). He will move swiftly to separate those who obey and those who do not. God promised to fix the mess that was made with His righteous right hand (vs 37). 

So why was this chapter of scripture so impactful to me? 

After God clearly explains their rebellion and upcoming judgment, He then moves right into their redemption. Not in the next chapter or next book. Not after the judgment takes place. Immediately, in the same verse (vs 42). God sends a clear message to Israel that although they have continued to turn from the Lord, our gracious Father God would redeem them STILL (vs 44). Doesn’t that sound like the best father anyone could ever have? 

Our Father, God, loves and keeps on loving, but not at the expense of His holiness. God loves us enough to discipline us. He loves us enough to correct us. He loves us even more that He will restore us while on earth and in heaven.

God, our loving Father specializes in redeeming imperfect stories. That includes the Israelites of the Bible and you and me too. No matter how unconventional or out of order your story is, God has a plan to redeem every part. Here’s why:

God is committed to being with you.

You are His beautiful, chosen, loved, and set apart beloved child. You may be imperfect, but you are imperfectly His. God is beyond committed to your journey, purpose, and growth. There isn’t one place that you can go that God our Father will not be with you.

Tell them, ‘The Lord God says, “On the day I chose Israel, I raised My hand and made a promise to the children of the family of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. I made a promise to them, saying, ‘I am the Lord your God.’ Ezekiel 20:5

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord, your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

God’s plan is still at work in your life even as you go through hard times.

As a divorced single mom, I have had my share of hard times. When the people who were supposed to be there for you disappoint you, it leaves you feeling broken, misunderstood, and misused. These feelings are incredibly painful but normal. Your picture-perfect ideal story may not be the life that you are living right now, but rest assured God is at work in the life you are living. He has a plan to take your broken, incomplete places and restore them to the beautiful masterpieces they were always intended to be.

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthian 10:13 NLT

Once I realized that God isn’t my persecutor but instead my Father, source, and strength, I was free to embrace the imperfect life that I have. I can trust that my heavenly Father has my back. I can have faith that all things work together for my good (Romans 8:28). I can resist the temptation to beat myself up about my imperfections because God is still working inside me. The great news today is that God the Father is working inside of you and your imperfect life too.

Reflect & Relate

1. How can you embrace your imperfect story and honor the journey God has your life on?

2. What is God trying to show you about Himself through the trials and challenges you currently face?

3. What impossible areas do you need God the Father to reveal Himself in?

Let Us Pray

Thank you, God, for being my Father. Thank you for loving me when I am unlovable, for repairing what I’ve broken, and for promising to be with me always. When my life gets overwhelming, remind me who I am. When I am feeling low because of my life’s circumstances, remind me that I am not alone. Show me what it looks like to embrace the imperfect life that I have and walk fully in your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you’ve enjoyed this and seek to further your journey, I want to invite you to connect with me at KellyAFoster.com. You can also read my 6-day devotional plan “Learning to R.E.S.T. While Embracing Your Imperfect Story” only available on YouVersion Bible App.

About Our Guest Blogger

Author, speaker, advocate, Kelly A. Foster is the founder of the online women’s ministry Imperfectly His, and author of “Dear Proverbs 31 Woman…Stop Making Me Look Bad!” As a YouVersion Bible App devotional partner, Kelly has helped thousands of women embrace their imperfect stories, become healthy, whole and healed while pursuing their passions with purpose. Kelly is a minister of the gospel for over 12 years, has served as a church planter, coach and mentor to many. When Kelly’s not juggling dinner or writing deadlines you can find her binge watching documentaries with her 3 beautiful daughters in St. Louis, MO.