Ever feel like you’re just not good enough at this faith thing? Like no matter how hard you try, your walk with God is constantly falling short? We’ve been there too. And here’s some encouragement Christian… Your faith was never meant to be perfect—just faithful.
God Never Expected Perfection
If you’re keeping a mental checklist of all the ways you’ve failed at being a good Christian, you’re not alone.
M. Esther Lovejoy, author of Big Steps, Little Steps, knows that pressure all too well.
“If I were a better Christian, I would read my Bible more, pray more, be nicer, never have wrong thoughts. I had a mental checklist, and my passing or failing grade was based on that. It was like trying to stay on God’s ‘Nice’ list—and often failing. But I learned that God wasn’t like Santa with a naughty or nice list. He is a loving Father, ready to forgive, help, and encourage me as I walk with Him.”
We often get caught up in performing our faith rather than living it. But God doesn’t measure us by our perfection—He measures us by our relationship with Him. And that means grace over guilt, every single time.
Faith is a Journey, Not a Performance
Let’s be honest. We’re not always going to get it right. We’re going to stumble, fall, and even get a little messy in our walk with God. But that’s okay because faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.
Scripture reminds us:
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)
“The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
“Striving for perfection puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves and is doomed to failure,” Esther says. “God’s call always comes with His enabling. And I personally find that a great relief.”
God’s not asking you to be flawless—He’s asking you to keep walking with Him, even when you stumble.
What to Do When You Feel Like You’re Failing
1. Stop Measuring Your Faith by Your Feelings
Just because today was hard doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Your faith isn’t defined by your emotions or circumstances. God’s love doesn’t waver when you do. Ephesians 1:7 reminds us of His abundant grace—no matter how messy things get.
2. Keep Going—Even When It’s Messy
Your walk with God… your faith… is like watching a toddler learn to walk. They stumble, they fall, but they keep getting back up. It’s messy and imperfect, but it’s progress.
“There’s such a precious picture of God in Hosea 11:3,” Esther says. “‘It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms…’ When you feel unsteady, reach up. There is a Father ready to help you take the next step.”
God’s not grading you on style points—He’s cheering you on for every step forward.
3. Trust That God is Still Working in You
It’s easy to fall into the trap of performance-based faith, thinking you have to earn God’s love or approval. But here’s the truth: Christ loved us and died for us “while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). Your value isn’t found in your performance—it’s found in His love.
Esther says it best: “Most performance-based behavior is motivated by a desire to impress or earn favor. But Romans 5:8 reminds us that Christ loved us and died for us ‘while we were still sinners.’”
God isn’t waiting for you to be perfect—He’s waiting for you to trust Him.
Embrace the Imperfection
If you’re tired of trying to be a perfect Christian, here’s the good news: You don’t have to be. God’s not looking for flawless followers; He’s looking for faithful ones.
💬 “Faith is about persistence, not perfection.” – M. Esther Lovejoy
And persistence means showing up, even when it’s messy. It means trusting God to fill the gaps where you fall short. It means letting grace cover what you can’t.
Ready to stop striving and start walking in grace?
Big Steps, Little Steps is here to help you take those small, meaningful steps of faith—no perfection required. Each devotion reminds you that it’s not about getting it all right—it’s about leaning on the One who does.
Ready to take the first step on this journey of faith? Click here to read the first chapter of Big Steps, Little Steps for free!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I struggle to stay consistent in my faith?You’re not alone! Just take one step at a time. God isn’t keeping score—He’s guiding you forward. Persistence over perfection.
- How can I trust God when I feel like I’m failing?
Faith isn’t about feelings—it’s about trust. Keep walking, even when you don’t feel strong. God’s not done with you yet. - Does God still love me even when I mess up?
Absolutely! Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing can separate us from His love—not even our own failures.
Leave A Comment