Friday, March 10, 2006

Shaped for Glory

During the Great Depression, a good man lost his job, exhausted his savings, and forfeited his home. His grief was multiplied by the sudden death of his precious wife. The only thing he had left was his faith – and it was weakening.

One day he was combing the neighborhood looking for work. He stopped to watch some men who were doing the stonework on a church building. One of these men was skillfully chiseling a triangular piece of rock. Not seeing toward the top of the building and said, “See that little opening up near the spire? That is where it goes. I am shaping it down here so it will fit in up there.”

Some of you are going through troublesome times. You may be experiencing some personal problems, or some heartbreaking sorrow. Or perhaps you are enduring some painful physical illness. Or it may be something else-maybe even too excruciating to talk to anyone about.

The blows of the hammer and chisel hurt. Does it really hurt?

But hold on to your faith. These difficulties will not get you down. They are only temporary. Glory is coming. Just keep in mind – it is the harsh blows to the outward man that often bring the greatest strength to the inner man. Keep praying, keep believing. The Master has to do some shaping of us down here so we will lift in up there.

Psalms 25:20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

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4 Comments:

Blogger Michael Pendleton said...

" But now, O Jehovah, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our Former; and we all are the work of Your hand" (Isaiah 64:8).

What more can be said?

4:52 AM  
Blogger Correy said...

Reminds me of the scripture the rock the builders rejected has become the capstone. This relates to Christ of course however it is true as we are in Christ as well. We are to walk as he walked. Great post.

1:29 AM  
Blogger no_average_girl said...

thank you so much for your kind words during this time! they were such a tremendous blessing!

also, this post was just what i needed to hear! :-) when things calm down, i'll be back to look around and i have a feeling we'll become fast blogging buddies!

5:33 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

A beautiful post. Thank you for sharing.

8:02 AM  

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