Romans 12:1 (MSG), Ecclesiastes 3:11
I don't know about you, but I like to fix things. If something is broken, I like to see the beauty in it and turn it into something beautiful. My house exudes this truth. I had a piece of furniture that was beyond repair. As it collapsed (literally) to the ground, my friends who were assisting me, wanted to throw the pieces of wood away. I immediately yelled (with all my longing and passion)--NO!! THERE'S STILL VALUE THERE!! My friends proceeded to look at me as though I had 10 heads, but they willingly shrugged their shoulders and left the wood. I then took those pieces, sanded and painted them and made them into wall hangings (there are still pieces being used). They are chalkboard hangings that have various inspirational quotations throughout ever-changing seasons.
This desire of mine to "fix things" stirred in my heart and mind and I started processing. Why is it that I like to fix things? Why do I try to take something of little or no value to someone else and make it into something of use and purpose? Why do I fight for relationships with my family and friends and even acquaintance--doing all that's in my power to fix them? Why do I have a hard time hearing "no"? Why do I keep pushing forward?
I believe that the answer lies in Jesus. This is what he did. But unlike me, he knew when and how to surrender. He knew the hearts and minds of those around him. He knew that some would resist being "fixed". He knew many would reject him and retaliate in hate and anger. But he loved them anyway. He didn't force himself on them. And I believe that Jesus calls us as believers to this as well. He gives us HIS eyes to see others as he sees them (even if that isn't where they are yet). He helps us to see where he desires for them to be. But he hasn't called us to be the Holy Spirit or to fix them. He has called us to surrender them to himself.
And I don't know about you, but this is HARD for me to do. I want things restored--NOW. I want reconciliation--NOW. I want things in my own timing. But that isn't how love operates. Love waits. Love is patient and kind. Love doesn't hold expectations. Love doesn't force itself on others. It doesn't demand its own way. Love just loves. Love (Jesus) meets others where they are. He's gentle. He's just and strong, but tender. And at just the right time, he knows how/when each heart will be broken and is ready to be restored into something beautiful (what He had planned all along)!
We are faithless worriers, so often forgetting the promises He's made.
but he gives more grace
We are striving, controlling doubters, afraid to loosen our grip on what we hold most dear.
but he gives more grace
Jesus loves to partner with you in bringing restoration, but remember--he is the ultimate advocate!
Peace to you this week and weekend!
I don't know about you, but I like to fix things. If something is broken, I like to see the beauty in it and turn it into something beautiful. My house exudes this truth. I had a piece of furniture that was beyond repair. As it collapsed (literally) to the ground, my friends who were assisting me, wanted to throw the pieces of wood away. I immediately yelled (with all my longing and passion)--NO!! THERE'S STILL VALUE THERE!! My friends proceeded to look at me as though I had 10 heads, but they willingly shrugged their shoulders and left the wood. I then took those pieces, sanded and painted them and made them into wall hangings (there are still pieces being used). They are chalkboard hangings that have various inspirational quotations throughout ever-changing seasons.
This desire of mine to "fix things" stirred in my heart and mind and I started processing. Why is it that I like to fix things? Why do I try to take something of little or no value to someone else and make it into something of use and purpose? Why do I fight for relationships with my family and friends and even acquaintance--doing all that's in my power to fix them? Why do I have a hard time hearing "no"? Why do I keep pushing forward?
I believe that the answer lies in Jesus. This is what he did. But unlike me, he knew when and how to surrender. He knew the hearts and minds of those around him. He knew that some would resist being "fixed". He knew many would reject him and retaliate in hate and anger. But he loved them anyway. He didn't force himself on them. And I believe that Jesus calls us as believers to this as well. He gives us HIS eyes to see others as he sees them (even if that isn't where they are yet). He helps us to see where he desires for them to be. But he hasn't called us to be the Holy Spirit or to fix them. He has called us to surrender them to himself.
And I don't know about you, but this is HARD for me to do. I want things restored--NOW. I want reconciliation--NOW. I want things in my own timing. But that isn't how love operates. Love waits. Love is patient and kind. Love doesn't hold expectations. Love doesn't force itself on others. It doesn't demand its own way. Love just loves. Love (Jesus) meets others where they are. He's gentle. He's just and strong, but tender. And at just the right time, he knows how/when each heart will be broken and is ready to be restored into something beautiful (what He had planned all along)!
We are faithless worriers, so often forgetting the promises He's made.
but he gives more grace
We are striving, controlling doubters, afraid to loosen our grip on what we hold most dear.
but he gives more grace
Jesus loves to partner with you in bringing restoration, but remember--he is the ultimate advocate!
Peace to you this week and weekend!
