If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Rough Edges and Sandpaper

"So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper." James 4:7 MSG

" Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double‑minded man, unstable in all he does.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:2-12 NIV

If we must go through hard times (and everyone does sooner or later) we might as well learn something along the way and benefit from it.  I just consider it as though I'm a piece of wood and Jesus is using the hard things as sandpaper and is taking away my rough edges.  Sure does hurt, but in the end I hope to be more like Christ.

I just viewed this video at "Shout a Joyful Noise!" and just had to share it here too.


So let's be encouraged and keep on keeping on!

4 comments:

  1. great post! those times are hard but if we allow God to work in us, we come out better on the other side!

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  2. I saw that video there too. I totally agree...I have been going through some stuff this week and just realized today that God is shaping me. Finally, I get it. :)

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  3. Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

    If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

    Blessings~
    Laura

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  4. Hey Cathy! This is a great post! I like how you used the sandpaper as a metaphor. It makes perfect sense.


    Love the ideas you left me today! I'll have to try that too!

    Wow, your daughter is going to college. And I thought taking Mason to pre-school was going to be bad. haha

    Hope you have a beauty-full weekend!

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Thanks for visiting and commenting. Have a wonderful Day!

Cathy