Weathered Wood of Life

Have you ever driven down the road and God places an object to catch your eye? When you look at this object, God begins to speak to your heart. Last week I was riding while my husband was driving and we passed by an old barn. It was a beautiful barn or should I say it was beautiful at one time. The barn was leaning to one side and the doors were hanging off of the hinges. It had weathered wood and the paint was fading from years of exposure. I know that you are wondering what in the world did you see in that old dilapated barn. This barn was sitting close to a pond surrounded by trees. It was one of the most peaceful settings. I couldn't take my eyes off it. God began to speak to my heart. He reminded me that our lives are so much like that old barn. Our lives have moments that are brand new and perfect. We couldn't ask for anything else. We have it all! The paint on our life is beautiful and it covers any imperfections. Our lives are constructed out of the best of woods and it makes us strong. We are so strong that we think we can handle any storm that may occur. We are a tower of strength. But as we move through life, the elements of life begin to attack our paint. Our wood becomes weak and all of those things that protected us from storms, no longer would keep us safe. Our doors begin to fall off and our structures( family,marriages,friends,and finances) began to weaken and lean. When everything becomes more important than maintenance of our structure, it begins to wither. Slowly our barn begins to fall apart, one piece at a time. One day we wake up and so much needs to be done that we just throw our hands up in the air. This didn't happen overnight. We are overwhelmed at how this happened to us. God reminded me that we must be diligent at all times. When we take our focus off of our Saviour, our lives begin to fall apart. We have to be in tune with Him. We must listen as he speaks to us. But we must also be sure that He is speaking to us. The Lord can take all of those pieces of wood that begin to fall off and he can make them brand new. He can make our lives stronger than we could ever imagine. He will paint our lives with love, hope, faith, and joy! Our sweet Saviour will give us strength to stand when we think we have no strength left. He is our shelter, our peace, our everything! He will lead us to those peaceful streams and He will give us rest from the struggles of life. He makes me lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters (Psalms 23:2). The Lord is the beauty of this life! Many of you that know my family, know that the last couple of years have been a struggle. We have encountered pain and sadness of watching our loved ones struggling with health, marriages, and everyday life. But through all of it, my God has been a constant. I reflect back on his scripture, God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away (Revelations 21). There will come a day and soon that we will no longer have to face these problems. We will no longer have to suffer pain and sorrow. There will be no more tears to fall from our eyes and our hearts will no longer be broken. Our loved ones that are sick will be made whole and broken hearts will be mended. I no longer will have to see my loved ones struggle with hurt and pain. I want to be like that barn and be able to stand whatever storm passes my way. I may have a few boards to fall off but in the end, I'm still standing. My Sweet Saviour, I pray today that you take our struggles and make them joys. Lord I thank you for each broken heart, dissapointment, pain, and struggle that you have given to me and my family. Lord we know that through you, we will be made more than conquerors. Let us put our lives in your hands and give us the wisdom to follow you in whatever direction you may take us. Let us be a testimony of your mercy and grace. Lord may we acknowledge the strength that you have given us to overcome any obstacle that we may encounter. All praise and honor goes to you! Amen