As sinful humans, we will never be perfect in this life. We take one step toward perfection and two steps back, losing confidence in ourselves with each movement. We might lose patience with ourselves—can’t we just be perfect already!?—but God gently smiles and continues walking with us.

This is the incredible truth painted throughout Scripture and in Daniel E. Paavola’s new book, Patience and Perfection: Finding Peace in God’s Plan for You!. Often, people think the Christian life is about achieving some status of perfection—“You must be completely perfect to be a Christian!”—when in reality, almost the opposite is true.

Daniel Paavola reveals the harsh reality that in this life, we will never be perfect. Ever. It’s impossible for us. But, despite our daily sinning and straying, God continues to walk with us, slowly making us perfect over time—a process called sanctification if you’re into big words. We won’t ever be perfect in this life, but God is forming and shaping us to be more like Him in this life.

We can’t know all that God plans to do with and for us in this life, but we can trust in His perfect plan and His will for us. God is patient with us. He loves us. And He declares us perfect in Christ.

For more information on Patience and Perfection: Finding Peace in God’s Plan for You! or to order the book, please visit cph.org/patienceandperfection or contact Lindsey Martie, Public Relations, by phone at 314-268-1303 or by email at Lindsey.Martie@cph.org.

About the Author

Daniel E. Paavola is a professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin. He holds a master’s of theology from Princeton Theological Seminary and a PhD in exegetical theology from Concordia Seminary. His previous work includes Our Way Home: A Journey through the Lord’s Prayer.

About Concordia Publishing House

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For 150 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.