One of the most liberating truths I ever learned is that you don’t have to be perfect for God to use you. As Christians, I think many of us have the mindset that in order to do big things in the Kingdom of God, we must have it all together and have worked through all of our issues. However, this mentality is damaging and untrue, and it serves only to keep us stuck! If everyone waited until they were healed to step out in faith, nothing would ever happen (and the devil would love it). In fact, the most wondrous thing about living life in Jesus is that when we surrender, He does the moving. As we make ourselves available to be, as Henri Nouwen said, “wounded healers,” the Holy Spirit’s strength goes to work through us to reach others. This is why the Apostle Paul said that Christ’s power in him was made perfect in his weakness, so he gladly boasted about his weaknesses, hardships, persecutions, insults, and struggles. Though it’s a radical thought, since we walk in the grace — or unmerited favor and blessing — of God, there is nothing He cannot accomplish by way of our brokenness. As we seek to live out our divine calling, we simply need to surrender and take the first step, and He will take it from there.

My friend, the Holy Spirit in you is able to do anything, even if it seems impossible! You don’t need to be fixed, healed, or perfected in order for the God of Heaven to commission you to His service, you simply need to be willing and available. Even if you feel like you’re too messed up to make a difference, cry out to Him, lay your life in His hands, and let Him show you how amazing His power in you is. When you are weak, He is strong, and He delights in taking the crushed and shattered things of the world and making them into a glorious display of His splendor.