MY TESTIMONY- IMPERFECTION INSPIRES

It’s difficult to live in a society 

That expects and admires ‘perfection’

Especially as a Christian 

That’s why I created my platform

Imperfection Inspires

To allow everyone to use their imperfection as a testimony! 

February 26th, 2021 was the day I got baptized. Prior to me getting immerse into the water, I remember the statement my Pastor announced to the audience: “Folks said a lot of things about me, but I’m so glad that they’re not the author and finisher of my faith. It’s the Lord who has called me and chosen me.” At first, I was hesitate to get baptize because of judgement and fear. My Pastor even explained to me the meaning of getting baptized, but I was still afraid. I then decided to pray about it. Thankfully, days before the ceremony Pastor Darius purchased a shirt for me because he had faith that I’ll change my mind. On February 26th, 2021 I made the best decision of my life and got baptized!

After getting baptized, I had the mindset that I’ll be free from sinning. Oh boy, was I incorrect. I fell into temptation, I became angry at God, I lost myself, and the list goes on. Although all of this occurred, God still remained faithful. I spoke about God to my friends, family, and even social media. I then stopped speaking about God due to the backlash from people close to me. I didn’t want to be viewed as a hypocritical Christian. Individuals made comments to me such as “you call yourself a Christian," & “you talk about God but still curse.” I was even ridiculed by my former best friend for smoking. I was hurt because I expected these individuals to check in on my mental health. I expected these individuals to ask, “what’s causing you to partake in these behaviors?" I expected these individuals to at least pray for me because I was a lost Christian. Instead, I was condemned and judged. I then wanted to turn away from Christianity.

Although I was hurt in the beginning, I realized that only God holds the power to judge. I began to look at Christianity in a different light. Rather than getting upset with the ones who judge my salvation, I now pray for them. I recall Pastor Darius statement, “ Folks said a lot of things about me but I’m so glad that they’re not the author and finisher of my faith. It’s the Lord who has called me and chosen me.” I’m now a proud Christian because I know that God is the finisher of my faith. The ones who condemn my behavior didn’t help me to change. When I gave it all to God, he help steer me away from my past behaviors. All glory to God! Moving forward, I’ll continue to pray for anyone who judges ones salvation. Of course, as a Christian you’re suppose to be a great representation of a child of God and set an example for nonbelievers. However, many individuals especially Christians forget that God is perfection. As human beings, we are expected to fall short and slip into sin because of our flesh. That’s why God sacrificed his only son, Jesus Christ, to wash away our sins. And no, I’m not promoting sin nor stating that we should continue our old ways & purposely sin. I’m explaining that our sins are already forgiven which is why we should allow God to transform us.

There’s no condemnation in Christ Jesus! Come as you are. Grow your relationship with God then obedience will follow. Don’t allow humans or certain Christians to steer you away from Christianity like I did. God knows our heart. God looks beyond our imperfections. In the Bible, God uses imperfect individuals to fulfill his will instead of those who fake perfection. This is why I created my platform - Imperfection Inspires. God has implanted in my heart to create this platform to help those who have an imperfect past to turn to him.

If your testimony is similar to mine and you’ve been condemned as a Christian because of your behavior, I want you to know you’re not alone. Seek a relationship with God so that he can change your ways. Stay obedient to his will and watch your life transform. As 2023 comes to an end, I’m thankful that I have a different view of Christianity. I thank God for showing me that he is my true best friend. Most importantly, I thank God for showing me that he loves me despite of my imperfections. Humans will disappoint us but God will never disappoint nor forsake us.

Luke 5:32

“ I have come to call sinners to turn away from their sins, not to spend my time with those who think they are already good enough.” NLT Student Life Application Bible. 

I remember I use to be ashamed 

Of telling people that I’m a Christian

Because I’m an imperfect person who sins

As I grew a stronger relationship with God 

I realized that he sees beyond our imperfections

God just wants us all

Now I worship freely, wholeheartedly, and unashamed

Turn to God

He wants you as you are 

He wants you all today 

Allow him to transform you 

Remember, God loves you ❤️ - Imelda Simon

DISCLAIMER Do not take my blogs and run with the information. Read the word for yourself and ask the LORD to help you interpret it the way the Holy Spirit wants you to understand it.