Don’t you just hate it when it seems like everywhere you turn the road is blocked off or narrowed down for construction? It seems that happens so often which slows us down and complicates what should be a simple trip. It’s easy to wonder why these jobs aren’t done on a week-end or at night so that the rest of us wouldn’t be so inconvenienced. (Of course, that’s not a bit selfish).
Having avoided a certain roadway for awhile, I turned onto it almost without thinking and then was pleasantly surprised with how wonderful it was: completely open, no more potholes, smooth as silk with new dividing lines, freshly painted. It was amazing! It was hard not to reflect back on the process that got it to this point.
Are we so different? We, as God’s creatures with freedom of choice, are certainly less than perfect. Thanks to our Lord for making it possible for us to know Him, but while we remain here, we definitely have a few “potholes” in our character. We have rough edges that need smoothing out. And, so we have a God who files down the rough edges, who cares enough to introduce things into our individual lives that make us stronger, somehow make us better. The process can be messy. It can be irritating and it may seem never-ending. It can be inconvenient (like road construction), but the end result? Wow.
John writes in 1 John 3:2: “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be (because He’s still working on us). We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him (finally!) because we shall see Him just as He is.”
We’ve all seen signs that say something about us being “Forgiven, but not perfect” or “God isn’t done with me yet.” That’s not something to hide behind or use as an excuse for behavior we rebelliously choose. But, it is encouraging to know that God continues to mold us into His image.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
What a great picture of how He sees past the flaws and what our potential might be if we don’t stand in our own way! Thx Teri
Another great analogy Teri. Thanks for the great read this morning. 😁
Amen!
Another terrific analogy. We’re in a construction zone now! Sometimes it hurts…the pruning is difficult. But, oh God may we submit to his image and grow a measure!
Amen 🙂
I think it is amazing that God has given us the opportunity to change.