God’s Specialty

I know it is hard to imagine sometimes what God is up to in your life. You see a blank canvas, but God sees a finished painting. You see a piece of coal, but God sees a refined diamond. You see an untalented person, but God sees a mighty man or woman of God.

This is also true of those we see in Scripture. We see an impetuous, impulsive Simon, but God sees a strong, decisive apostle named Peter. We see a conniving, manipulative Jacob, but God sees a godly, trusting man named Israel. We see a young, naïve Joseph, but the Lord sees a brilliant, wise world leader. And when it was all said and done, Joseph was able to look back and say to his brothers, "You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). He recognized that God used the things that happened to him to mold him into a compassionate, forgiving leader of many. He was clay in the Potter’s hand. He trusted in the Lord.

God specializes in making something out of nothing. I wonder what He is doing with you right now? You are a work in progress, and He isn’t finished yet. If you are still alive and reading this, God has more work to do in your life! Most artists usually don’t like someone looking over their shoulders, trying to second-guess what they’re about to do. "Wait until I am done," they will say, "and then you will see."

So trust in the Lord during those times when it is hard to see what He is doing. Don’t allow the hardships you face to make you a bitter person. It’s time to let go of that. Rather, allow them to make you a better person.