God’s Work of Art

God’s Work of Art

God’s Work of Art

 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 NIV

         I had a few minutes to do nothing the other day, so I was scrolling through Facebook because, I confess, I’m a Facebook voyeur. I often don’t post anything personal, but I like to see the personal stuff others post. Sorry if that sounds freaky. Anyway, I saw this picture someone posted of the beautiful pieces of sea glass a friend had found on the beach that morning. Some of you know how I feel about the beach. Even though I like jumping the waves, I’d rather not find sand where the sun doesn’t shine, if you know what I mean. But I love finding sea glass.

Many years ago, before humankind knew about the importance of things like protecting the environment and taking care of Planet Earth, people used to feel free to throw their trash into the ocean because I guess they assumed the ocean was vast enough to be their own personal dumpster. Maybe they thought their trash would go out to a part of the ocean no one ever sees? I don’t know. But if you’re a child of the sixties like I am, you might remember the commercial that featured the crying Native American who was sad about all the litter across America. He scared me straight.

Anyway, all those bottles that were tossed in the ocean over the years end up being broken into shards of glass as they’re pounded by the waves. They’re tossed about and hit sand and rocks and those sharp, jagged pieces of glass eventually get polished into smooth, elegant pieces that look like jewels and are little treasures that wash up on the beaches.

When I saw that picture of my friend holding all that beautiful sea glass, it made me think about how much you and I are like all those broken pieces of glass. We have sharp edges, we’re broken, and certain parts of our lives make us feel like we’re beyond usefulness or purpose. But God uses the waves and the rocks in our lives, the obstacles that often seem like they’re going to be the final straw that will break us, to create something new and even more beautiful than what we once were.

         The Lord hones out our sharp edges, polishes our hearts, and makes us into His very own beautiful works of art. Because it’s often after we’ve gone through the hardest situations and trials that we’re the most effective and best version of ourselves and God is able to use us in other people’s lives to encourage them and sustain them as they go through hard times. And it helps us to remember in our own lives that when difficult times come, we have a God who makes all things beautiful in the end. I’m not sure how God feels about sea glass, but I know for sure that He loves you!

Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement.  It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, please consider reading James 5:7-10 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message through Pastor Dale this coming Sunday, December 14, the third Sunday in the season of Advent!

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.