Have you looked at the back of a tapestry or needlepoint? Usually, there’s a tangled-looking mess of threads of many different colors going in many different directions. But if you turn it over, the design has purpose and beauty.
Our lives can be compared to a needlepoint in which the many different circumstances and directions look like there is no design, rhyme or reason. Many times we are unable to see how all those different things can be woven together to create a beautiful picture. I think that is because we are looking at the underside of the picture. God is looking down at how it all works out in creating something good.
”And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ( Romans 8:28).
Notice the Word says, “in all things God works,” which would include all the distractions and circumstances, both good and bad that we encounter in this life. God works it for good—not He makes it all good. He weaves together all our struggles, challenges and victories to accomplish His purpose. That’s where we get the beautiful picture of our lives from a jumbled mess of threads and colors—God works it out!
His purpose is that we be conformed to the likeness of Jesus. Now that’s a beautiful picture! We may look at our lives and say, “No way!” But God looks at our lives and starts weaving and working it all out for good, and He sees Jesus!
- Dave Grant, via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur Church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com
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