Don’t Just Survive the Messes of Life, Thrive
My son’s raised eyebrows just made me grin as another piece of butter fell to the floor. Thoughts of his father’s words danced through my mind, “You are a messy cook.”
Flour and sugar sprinkled on the buttery concoction I was stepping in as I reflected on the truth of that statement.
Indeed I am a messy cook. But the end result of my work is sugary and savory delectables and worth the mess. (And I always clean it up.)
Thriving through the Messes of Life
How reflective that is of our lives.
The mess of living is often unseemly. Our humanity mixed with the temptations of Satan can make our lives look less than appetizing.
But for those who abide in Christ Jesus, God sweeps up the droppings, wipes up the spills, and spit polishes us shiny, in and through those messes.
The end result of God at work in us is a reflection of Him worthy of serving to others. How delightful!
The end result of God at work in us is a reflection of Him worthy of serving to others. Click To Tweet
So don’t get stuck in the mess you are. Rather open up your heart to the Lord and rejoice in the creation you are becoming through the transforming power, unfathomable grace, and unending love of the One who put you together in the first place.
You don’t just have to merely survive the messes of life. Through the work of the Redeemer, you can thrive.
You don't just have to merely survive the messes of life. Through the work of the Redeemer, you can thrive. Click To Tweet
“He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our offenses.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is His faithful love
toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has He removed
our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:10-12)
Reflection: What tips do you have for being a tidier cook … and a less messier follower of Jesus Christ?
Linking up again this year with Ann Voskamp‘s 2014 Joy Dare. Find the linkup at A Holy Experience. Beginning where I left off in 2013. What a blessing! #2439–2459, read the entire list by clicking here.
- A mound of mess sorted and dispersed in the basement; Extended Christmas vacation for the kids–thanks weather; Guest posting
- Private joy to smile about silently; Hot chocolate with peppermint marshmallows; Boys lovin on their sister–boy style
- Sweet memories of dear loved ones gone–imagine what it’d be like with no memories of them; A son who takes much in stride–inspiring and maddening; You
- Warm water soothing cold hands; Depth of medical knowledge–never ceases to amaze me; A God who not just hears, but always listens
- Walks with my soon-to-be back-to-college son; Sweetness of a young man’s heart-felt nighttime prayers; Beauty of frosted trees
- Hearing Rachel use her 12 or so words, especially “Hi Mama!”; Something about the crunch of the snow on my walk; Joey’s outdoor antics
- Rach yelling “DD” in the store at the site of her bro; Sibling love–warms a mama’s heart; Pastor and Rachel having fun together at the soccer game
By His Grace,
Julie
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Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
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I’m smiling because I was teasing my son yesterday about what a messy cook he is, but the end result sure is delicious. What stood out most is what you mentioned “rejoice in the creation you are becoming through the transforming power…” I’m also in awe of how He does transform!
Thank you for the encouragement today!
Blessings,
Beth
Makes one wonder where we’d be without transformation, doesn’t it. Have a blessed evening, Beth.
Grace always lifts me when I’m in one of life’s messes. I run into the throne room of grace, I ask for grace, and God graciously provides what I need.
He is faithful to do just that, Pam! Isn’t wonderful that we can always count on Him?
Thank you for the encouraging message. Life is messy, and God still loves us. I tweeted this.
Thank you, Joanna! Yes, God still loves us and uses those messes. There’s beauty in that.