Had the quarry stones used in the construction of Solomon's temple been alive, they would have cringed in pain under the workman's chisel.
The stones may have cried out, "I can't take this anymore!" or yelled, "You've cut me too deep!" They may have squirmed at every blow from the hammer. Nevertheless, the work would have continued until the stones were suitable for use.
God refers to His people as living stones. And just like the workmen at the quarry, God often needs to smooth our rough edges to prepare us for greater use. During the sculpting process, we often cringe and fear the things that are happening.
To most of us, God's shaping tools seem unreasonably sharp. We know He loves us because the Bible says God corrects those He loves. Yet that knowledge does not make the hewing of our character any more pleasant. We want to run, but that will only prolong the process.
Our best recourse is to pray for grace and depend on God’s mercy. He will only cut out that which is necessary. And He will never do it for the pleasure of watching us squirm. Our weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning.
Be encouraged. God loves you. The pounding will not last forever. And joy unspeakable is on the way.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Georgette Pickell grew up in a small town in North Dakota and has been married for forty-one years. At twenty-one, she asked Jesus to be her Savior. Since then, her life has seen its difficult moments, but through it all, the Lord has been faithful. She works part time in a long-term care facility. She is surrounded by people who have served the Lord for many years. Their steadfast faith inspires her, and she prays every day for the grace to honor her Savior and increase His Lordship in her life.