KNOCK IT OFF!

An artist began working on a large block of marble. A friend watched him as he chipped away, knocking off one piece after another.

Finally the friend asked, “What are you making?”

“A horse,” came the reply.

“How do you do that?” he wanted to know.

“By knocking off everything that doesn’t look like a horse,” said the sculptor.

It is normal to question what God may be doing in our lives from time to time. We often look for meaning or purpose when we enter into a period of suffering or pain, darkness or despair. There are some days when problems pile up, difficulties grow, confusion never ends, and the light never comes on.

Paul said we are “pressed on every side by troubles” – days when we feel like we are being squeezed in a vice. But he quickly adds, “we are not crushed or broken” assuring us of the Great Physician’s concern and care. Then he goes on to write that we may feel “perplexed” – as if we were in a state of confusion. Now what? He encourages us not to “give up and quit” – knowing that God can make sense out of nonsense. If we “get knocked down” – we will never get knocked out. God will be there to lift us up, dust us off, and send us on our way. Paul’s message: We may be at the end of our rope, but we are not at the end of our hope.

Prayer: Father, help us to grasp the greatness of Your power and value of Your presence no matter the problem or pain. We know You are with us. Help us to trust. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:1-10