David was just a shepherd boy when Samuel elected him to be Saul’s successor as the king of Israel (1 Samuel 16). He was not qualified for the job, but, by God’s strength, he eventually became a remarkable king. God used David to defeat a giant named Goliath and save the Israelites. David’s strength alone was not enough, but God had equipped him with his strength and knowledge to win the battle (1 Samuel 17).
David failed to obey God’s commands when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah, killed. David knew that he was not perfect. He felt incredibly guilty for sinning against God, so he asked for God's forgiveness (2 Samuel 11). Even still, God chose David to be king knowing that he would sin.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
God didn’t need perfection from David and he doesn’t need it from any of us. When we allow God to use our weaknesses, he can put us to use even more. When we admit to our brothers and sisters that we have failed and are struggling, we can grow in community and have people to walk with. Through repentance, we can more clearly see God work in our lives and we can live in freedom from shame. Furthermore, we can show the world that being a Christian doesn’t mean being perfect, rather it means being forgiven.
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” — Isaiah 55:12
Go out in joy and be led forth in peace! You are free from having to live a perfect life and you are not alone in the battles you face.
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