The work of creating a masterpiece

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

– James 1:2-3 (NKJV)

As the weather turns cooler and the leaves fall off the trees, I am reminded of a family story from just a few short years ago.

I took my family to a tree farm for our annual tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree. After searching diligently for the perfect tree, cutting it down and getting it tied to the top of our van, we headed down the road towards home. We were all feeling good as we were warming up. Just about the time we reached 55 miles per hour, we all heard a distinct “pop” followed by an ominous scree...eeetch coming from the top of the van.

I looked in my rear view mirror just in time to see everyone’s heads turning towards the back of the van and that is when we all saw it. “It” was our Christmas tree falling off the back of the van and skidding down the road at 55 miles per hour. Thankfully there was nobody behind us so I rolled the tree into the ditch and after quick trip to the department store to purchase some rope, some tugging, lifting and retying, we were back on the road.

Once we got home, we unloaded the tree and carried it into the house. It was apparent the tree had not rolled as it went down the road but instead skidded on one side and was therefore now quite bald on that side. My lovely wife, in an effort to rescue the situation and make the best of what we had, directed the placement of the tree. Behold, with the bald spot towards the corner, the tree fit perfectly and was probably one of the best looking trees we have ever had.

You see, without that spot ground off just so, it wouldn’t have fit in the corner properly. We are often like that tree. We think we look good in the forest, but we don’t fit just right for the spot our father has planned for us. He needs to file us down a little, smooth out some lumps and mold us into the shape he can best use to fulfill his plan and purpose.

But sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it makes us a bit uncomfortable when the potter is busy creating a masterpiece when we just want to be left alone. Rejoice when you are on the wheel and God’s hands are molding and shaping you into his masterpiece. God bless.

Pastor Scott Bloomquist

Calvary Baptist Church