Seacliffe Park on the edge of Lake Erie had a few mature trees that snapped in the storm. Instead of removing the damaged trees, they were turned into something new.
I love this lighthouse, a replica of the one just a few hundred metres away at the marina. The tree that the tornado tried to destroy was turned into something beautiful in the hands of an artist.
Isn't that the way God works with us? The enemy of our souls tries to destroy our lives. John 10:10 tells us that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy." He wants to totally annihilate God's kids. He will not be happy until he can. Thankfully Jesus had the final say, "I have come that they may have life; and have it to the full." What the enemy tries to do to destroy us, God will take it, turn it around and make it a thing of beauty in our lives.
There are times when we as humans try to hide our brokenness. We try to hide our messes, but it is in letting them come to light that God can make something absolutely beautiful out of our stories. In my life, it is humbling to see how God can use my story to encourage others on their own path. I share my story so that others can find hope.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
I want that to be my story. I want God to use my story to bring comfort to others, so that they in turn can be a comfort to others still, becoming a ripple effect, spreading out to bring glory, praise and honor to our God.
Has God given you an opportunity to share your story with someone, but you have been too afraid to open up, too afraid that they will think less of you? Don't let fear win. Don't miss out on the beauty that God wants to make out of your story. He wants to make something beautiful out of the broken. He wants to make something beautiful out of your life. Let Him. He is the Master Artist. You will not be disappointed.
