Afternoon Thoughts-When You Can't See What God Is Building:

 

"For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God." Hebrews 3:4 (NLT)

My son's seventh grade Social Studies teacher assigned the task of making a pyramid. There were no specific criteria given about the size or what materials were to be used, only that they rely on their imagination.

When Michael came home and told me about his school project, I immediately put on my crafty-mom hat. How much foam core board would we need to cut and hot glue? However, when he told his daddy about it, the project took a twist. Before I knew it, we were at the hardware store.

"Lumber and nails?" I eyeballed my husband as if he had forgotten it was a 7th grade project. He smiled and simply said, "I know."

I had no idea how a few 2x4s could be transformed into a pyramid. My husband on the other hand is a builder by trade, so he had a clear vision of the outcome.

He and Michael spent hours in the cold garage, measuring and sawing and nailing. Step by step, a triangular form evolved. We watched and waited for my husband's vision to become a reality for the rest of us - and when it did, it truly was amazing!

As I marveled at this work of art crafted by the hands of my husband and son, God spoke gentle reassurance to my soul. He knew my heart had been heavy, worried about several adversities and hardships my family was facing.

I'd been questioning His ways, wondering how He could bring good out of our difficult circumstances. God chose this moment to whisper to my spirit, "Tracie, I am creating something good, beyond your human understanding. Trust Me as your Builder."

Today's key verse quickly came to mind. In it we are reminded that God is the builder of everything, including us. We are God's house, His temple, where His Holy Spirit resides. He is always at work building our lives so that He can be glorified through us.

The Barnes Notes Commentary refers to the meaning of Hebrews 3:4 in this way: "Every family must have a founder; every dispensation an author; every house a builder. There must be someone, therefore, over all dispensations...." And that Someone is God.

The theological definition of the word 'dispensation' means "the divine ordering of the affairs of the world; an appointment, arrangement, or favor, as by God."

God is arranging and re-arranging our lives in accordance with His will. Step-by-step, day-by-day, and with each circumstance we face. He is constructing a dwelling place for His Presence within us.

What comfort it brings to know that in the same way my husband had a clear picture of what he planned to build, God has a holy vision of the divine masterpiece He is building in our lives. Although we may not understand or like the building process, we can trust our Builder and know that He is always looking out for our best.

Dear Lord, I trust You are doing a good work in me. Help me embrace the promise that You are building my life based on Your beautiful design, even when I cannot envision the outcome. In Jesus' Name, Amen.(Tracie Miles)