shattered

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Life just doesn’t turn out the way we think it will most times.  We find ourselves as described above: despairing, perplexed, struck down, fearful.  I posted the picture of the broken glass because it reminded me of How our God takes dreams we thought were shattered, hopes that are dashed against the rocks of life; and He makes them into something beautiful.

I had just put my bottle tree together for the Spring, yesterday.  Then a storm came through with high winds that blew two of the bottles right off the top of the tree and they shattered.  I was sweeping up the shards this morning and saw how beautiful the glass shimmered in the Sun.  As an artist, I’m thinking, “O yeah! I can make something beautiful out of those shards.  I am going to put together a mosaic and hang it in my window for the light to shine through.

Even more wonderful than that.  When we lay all our broken dreams and shattered hopes at the feet of Jesus, He, as the Master Artisan, will take those pieces make something even more beautiful than what we originally had envisioned ourselves.  He will then place us on display before a broken and shattered world, and He will shine the Light of His redeeming grace and love, through the mosaics of our lives, bringing many to Himself.

¹⁰ always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:10

Dearest God, we give you all our broken pieces, all our heartbreak, disappointment and pain.  Redeem it, Dearest Lord, for our good and for Your Glory.  Amen!