Sometime ago, during a fitness session, the coach said something that hit me hard: “Chase progress, not perfection.” I just smiled as I realised it’s the same principle I’ve taught for years in ministry and leadership. This is exactly what many of us need to hear today.
Friend, stop waiting for perfection. Start with progress. The fear of “not perfect” is why many people never start at all (Proverbs 22:13). The truth is, we are not perfect. We are being perfected. We won’t arrive until we see Jesus face to face (Philippians 3:12-14). Excellence is not flawlessness. It is improvement.
Every great thing you admire started small. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, make your current conditions perfect for you (2 Kings 7:3-8). There is no “perfect time.” There is only the right time. Sometimes, the right time won’t look perfect initially.
Many are depressed today because they compare their present to their dream, instead of comparing it to their past (Psalms 103:1-5). If all you do is stare at where you are going, you will forget to be grateful for how far you’ve come. No matter how tough this year has been, you are not where you used to be.
As a pastor, sometimes I look back at where our church was years ago, and I’m moved to tears of thanksgiving. We are not where we want to be yet. But thank God, we are not where we used to be (Acts 26:22). Progress has happened, even without perfection.
What have you refused to start because you are waiting for perfect conditions (Ecclesiastes 11:4)? What have you quit because it didn’t look like it? Why let comparison and pressure steal the joy of how far you have come? Choose progress, not perfection, and enjoy peace and testimonies.
‘,Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria