I was reminded about how we can all look like a beautiful mess. We each have amazing attributes, gifts, and traits that bless those around us whilst also having some mess that God is hoping to or in the process of cleaning up in our lives. It's a little like when I restore a piece of furniture because I can see the inherent beauty and value in it even when it may have been forgotten about in some corner of a garage or thrown on the verge for disposal.
With some TLC, care, love, and necessary change, furniture can be restored and transformed, and we can too.
However, to restore something, we must be prepared for some mess, actually from the looks of my garage, perhaps a whole lot of mess. But that's okay because a mess with a purpose and vision is what I call a beautiful mess. We should never judge the expertise of a master craftsman, surgeon, chef, artist or anyone else for that matter when they are in the midst of their work. Yet how often do we want to retreat and "bale" when God starts dismantling, sanding back, pruning the unnecessary or unproductive, and removing whatever may hinder our way forward?
We can feel exposed, and a little lost as God touches on those things in our lives that have been holding us back or causing us to get stuck in the same old habits or negative patterns. God is referred to in the bible as a refining fire that burns off all the dross, a gardener who prunes any branches that aren't producing fruit, and a potter, with us the clay in his hands.
"Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8)
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful." (John 15:1-2)
Amid the mess, it's important to remember that the work of transformation means being willing to yield, not run away, and to trust that God always has a plan because He knows what He is doing. There may be some mess involved, but thankfully, it is always a constructive mess in His hands.
Whether you are feeling altogether or in the midst of being a mess today, be encouraged that as you trust and allow God to work, and take the time to renew your mind with what He says in His word, that He promises He will make something beautiful out of your mess, and before long, you too will have a new lease of life, purpose, and joy.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
"And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2 NKJV)
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are faithful to complete what you have started in me. Help me to trust you even when it looks like my life is a mess, and to "stay put" in your hands so that you can perfect that which you have started in me. In Jesus Name Amen.
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