Under the sculptor’s sharp tools and careful precision, clay
or stone, void of polished beauty, have immense potential. To the average observer, the natural
esthetics lack character and luster.
Yet, from the heart of the creator, the beauty has already been recognized. The process, while vigorous and timely, will birth
beauty. Beauty established and yet to be
seen.
Regarding trials and pain, A.W. Tozer writes, “A sculptor
does not use a manicure set to reduce the rude, unshapely marble to a thing of
beauty. The saw, the hammer and the
chisel are cruel tools, but without them the rough stone must remain forever
formless and unbeautiful.” God’s tools in shaping the human heart can seem
cruel at times. When rubble is what is
left from a devastating relationship, a dream ended, or a sudden tragedy or
loss, it’s difficult to pick up the broken pieces and notice their worth. Hardships can be seemingly impossible to
process, learn from, and embrace. Our
trust can be shaken and unsteady. Yet,
in God’s providence, the rubble is the necessary result of His magnificent
creation in process. The rubble isn’t
the goal, however. But, the waste is
necessary for beauty to be permanently formed.
When we endure hardships in faith, eternal purposes are being
refined. We must yield to the process
and not lose heart. Trials come for our
good. Although painful and not always
pleasant, within God’s sovereign hand of perfection, a harvest of righteousness
and peace is available for those who are shaped in and because of the struggle.
God’s designs are always perfect in every way. They are beautiful! We are called to endure His shaping with
steadfast courage while He cares for our every need throughout the journey. God forever sees beauty in His creation. It has already been established. We are
beautiful!
