The Unexpected Blessing from Our Cracks and Flaws

Author Susan Davidson reads her devotional "The Unexpected Blessing from our Cracks and Flaws" from the new book "Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best."The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.Do not forsake the work of your hands.–PSALM 138:8 ESVDespite our many cracks and flaws, God still finds us worthy of His great love.I admiringly store a small strawberry cookie jar on top of one of my kitchen cabinets. I turn it so you can’t see the visible crack on one side. Despite its apparent imperfection, it is one of my most prized possessions. It is special because it once belonged to my sweet grandmother, who passed away many years ago.This cookie jar not only reminds me of my grandmother but also encourages me because I often struggle with perfection. It reminds me that despite our shortcomings and frailties, we have been given great purpose in God’s kingdom. We all were created to showcase the beauty of Jesus.Despite our many cracks and flaws, God still finds us worthy of His great love. He never throws us away because we are less than the world’s standards or we fall short of the goals we often set for ourselves. He has a history of taking the things we usually see no value in and turning them into beautiful testimonies of His grace and goodness.It always amazes me that the most uncomely parts of my life story I desire to hide from the world are the ones God chooses to use. In my weakest and most homely parts, God’s sufficiency, grace, and mercy shine the brightest.Psalms 138:8 (ESV) teaches us this endearing lesson, “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Knowing I don't have to stress and strive over all my less-than-perfect places is a blessing. He is taking this clay vessel called me with all my chips and flaws and transforming me into a vessel of honor, pleasing Him.Dear Father, I thank you that You love me beyond measure and that your love for me is not based on my being perfect in this life. You count me worthy and will use even the most imperfect parts of my story for your glory. Let every part of my life be a testament to how your grace and mercy transform me to be more like Jesus. In Jesus' name, AmenDo you find freedom in knowing God counts you worthy of His great love?How does it make you feel knowing God has a purpose for even your flaws andimperfections?We'd love to hear in the comments below.Our prayer is that in these 40 days of reading “Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best,” you will shift your perspective, trust God’s timing, lean into Jesus, and recognize His blessings in ways you never expected. Grab your copy today on AMAZON!ABOUT SUSAN DAVIDSON:Susan Davidson is a freedom-from-striving pursuer and sharer of encouragement enthusiast. God placed a pen in her hand to share His word and encourage others during one of her most discouraging and challenging seasons. She learned thatencouraging others helps her live her own life more encouraged.She is a devotional writer featured in Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: 50 Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry. She has also been featured in the Proverbs 31 Ministry’s publication entitled Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. She hasbeen featured in the Calla Press online journal and Her View from Home.She calls the mountains of Virginia home. She is a wife, mother, Gran Gran, daughter, and friend who counts spending time with her special people as some of life’s greatest blessings. She is most content when she has coffee in her cup, pen in hand, and a great worship song in her heart. She loves going for dog walks in the park and spending quiet moments sitting on her porch swing with a good book in hand.When she is not sharing words on her blog, she shares encouragement on https://www.facebook.com/ruth216girl and https://www.instagram.com/ruth216girl/Readings from the book Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God’s Best with* March 6:Nichole Suvar* March 13:Theresa M. Miller* March 20: Susan Davidson* March 27: Traci Shnider* April 2: Deborah Rutherford.Special Bonus podcast of the Author Series with with Rosann Coulon on March 18 plus upcoming guests Mikala Albertson, MD, Theresa M. Miller, Katie Sampias and Lori Ann Wood.BIG NEWS!!! Poetry book news:The Way Back Books is the new boutique publishing imprint from The Way Back to Ourselves, focusing on soul-care, authentic relationships, creative excellence, and telling “beauty from ashes” stories that beautify the Kingdom. My debut poetry collection, Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones will be released with Kimberly Phinney’s second poetry collection, Exalted Ground: Poems of Praise and Lament for the Living and Rosa Gilbert debut poetry collection.Be sure to sign up for Kimberly Phinney Book Launch Team forExalted Groundat [email protected] to sign up with your name, email, and any social media handles and links to your writing you’d like to share.AND DON’T MISS:CULTIVATE 2025 EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL RETREAT with the Way Back to Ourselves Community.I am so excited to attend my friend Kimberly Phinney and the The Way Back To Ourselves for the Cultivate Retreat again this year. Come join faithful creative and leaders from all over the world in this exclusive virtual even taking place June 20-21. ON SALE TIX.May your days be full of God's goodness and love! Much love and God's blessings to all of you,DeborahDeborah Rutherford's Behold-Her Beauty is a reader-supported publication. 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