You Are His Masterpiece...

I was thinking about great works of art & how the artist will always sign their masterpiece. That work of art will always be identified by that artist’s mark or signature… there is never any confusion of who created it. Just like when God created each of us, He put His signature on us… whether you believe in Him or not… His mark is all over you!

So why are we not satisfied with the way the Master created us? It says in Psalms 139:13-14… “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Do you recognize the masterpiece God created you to be?

I know for myself, I spent many years trying to change what I didn’t like about me! I’m not talking about weight loss, hair color, or better nutrition… I am talking about physical characteristics, or if I couldn’t change it then feeling insecure & less than. It usually would start with comparing myself to someone else, by wanting to be like someone else I was actually trying to erase the Artist’s mark & put my own signature in His place. I was trying to make a “better” version of God’s creation! God showed me one day, every time I compare myself to another person, I am actually trying to be god! Oooh, ouch! That was a hard reality! 

We would not take a great work of art like a Michelangelo or Rembrandt & think it was okay to change it & call it our masterpiece, would we? But we think it is acceptable to try & do that with God’s precious work of art, you & me! 

I guess what I want you to see in all this is that you are God’s masterpiece… we are all still a work in progress, but the work to be done yet will be done by God, not by being discontented with ourselves. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) or in another translation, “God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.” (GW)

Rejoicing in Truth!

Carin

Growing in Glory...

I have so many people in my life that are going through a rough patch… I feel so bad for them, but feeling bad for them will do nothing! I just need to carry their burden as far as getting on my knees & lifting them up to the One that is in control. I know at times when things to be so dark & no light in view, you can feel like you are losing your mind! No matter what your circumstances are now, you cannot allow the enemy to use it to your detriment! Thinking back to those times in my life, what I do know and believe is that through it all if I can keep looking to Jesus and keep praising God… I am on the right track. Praise Him through the tears, and that is okay at least continue to praise Him!

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

It is hard sometimes to realize when we are going through something painful, those are the times we can be growing the most in the Lord… those are the times when God’s glory can be revealed more through us! I know those have been & are the turning points in my Christian walk. It is painful & so hard, but growth is never easy! It is so difficult when people may not understand the choices we make… choices we know God has called us to. It is tough to have people turn their back on you.

When trials come it is like having the soil turned over in our “potted plants”… we need to let our soil be loosened up and weeds pulled out. God wants to loosen things that can choke our lives… things that can stop us from radiating joy. And yes, unfortunately it may be those same people that have turned their backs on you that also could be choking out your joy. Forgive & move forward!

Hang in there… it is not fun to go through painful or troubled times, but if stirring up my soil is what it takes to move me forward in my walk with the Lord… I look with anticipation for the joy and fruitfulness to come! What He has for each of us will be greater than we could ever imagine! It is not easy and sometimes can be lonely but I choose to surrender it all to God… will you join me in this? And remember, those good people God has placed in your life are here to lift you up & take your burden to the Lord!

Father, I lift up each person that is reading these words. I pray their focus will be on You. Help them to see Your Truth in every circumstance, that they will hold on to the hope that can only come from You. Lord, I pray they will feel Your presence surrounding them as they place their burdens in Your hands. I praise You & thank You for Your love, for the blessed hope You have given each of us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray this all in Christ's precious name. Amen.

“Those who bless God in their trials will be blessed by God through their trials.

Rejoicing in Truth!

Carin