Tuesday, July 7, 2009

from Streams in the Desert

(photo courtesy of Google images)


He made me into a polished arrow. (Isaiah 49:2)


Pebble Beach, on the California coast, has become quite famous for the beautiful pebbles found there. The raging white surf continually roars, thundering and pounding against the rocks on the shore. These stones are trapped in the arms of the merciless waves. They are tossed, rolled, rubbed together, and ground against the sharp edges of the cliffs. Both day and night, this process of grinding continues relentlessly. And what is the result?

Tourists from around the world flock there to collect the beautiful round stones. They display them in cabinets and use them to decorate their homes. Yet a little farther up the coast, just around the point of the cliff, is a quiet cove. Protected from the face of the ocean, sheltered from the storms, and always in the sun, the sands are covered with an abundance of pebbles never sought by the travelers.

So why have these stones been left untouched through all the years? Simply because they have escaped all the turmoil and the grinding of the waves. The quietness and peace have left them as they have always been -- rough, unpolished, and devoid of beauty -- for polish is the result of difficulties.

Since God knows what a niche we are to fill, let us trust Him to shape us to it. And since He knows what work we are to do, let us trust Him to grind us so we will be properly prepared.

O blows that strike! O hurts that pierce

This fainting heart of mine!
What are you but the Master's tools
Forming a work Divine?


~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Friends, wherever God has us right now, let us fully surrender our hearts to the task. May we allow Him to do his best refining work through our greatest struggles and difficulties. I'm praying for you. Be blessed this day.

20 comments:

Just a little something from Judy said...

Today's post my friend, is exactly what I needed to read. Even though I know this to be true, been reminded of it many times, God's shaping, polishing,and refining...I still need the reminders. I love how you shared this piece along with the picture of the surf. It is all part of this journey, isn't it?? Someday, it truly will be worth it all! Thanks for sharing this post.

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Wow..what a GREAT post today my friend.

It's not easy...being shaped, refined...or polished...BUT..the end result is SO worth it.

Thanks for touching my heart today.

Kristi said...

That is amazing...oh if this heart of mine will remember this truth. He is polishing us to reflect the beauty of His son. I loved your words and image today. Blessings!

Skoots1moM said...

very well stated...
thx, i needed to hear that today

hope your dad's getting better with each day

Melanie said...

Love this, Tracy, and just what I needed to be reminded of this morning. I'm not totally happy with where I am right now, but know that God is leading. I pray I remain patient and allow God to mold and refine me.

Joan said...

Great post. That might explain why get all shiny when we are older, huh?

Blessings

Tricia said...

This spoke to me today as I read it also... this part was what really spoke to me:

"The quietness and peace have left them as they have always been -- rough, unpolished, and devoid of beauty -- for polish is the result of difficulties."

That portion has really made me think...

Blessings!

Jennifer said...

I love how you have this labeled under perseverance! Definitely a quality I need to seek much more from the Lord...

Leaon Mary said...

That's an awesome post Tracy. Went straight to my heart tonight.
Your banana split dessert looks really good but think I'll try that strawberry dessert. I've made the strawberry pie like that but never really thought to omit the crust. Bet it's still really good without crust!
I've been dealing with PORTION DISTORTION LATELY.
GOD HELP ME

Happy@Home said...

Your post today will be one that I think about often. Very thought provoking and it really spoke to me this morning. Thanks for your continued prayers and know that I continue to pray for your Dad and family.

Hugs,
Kim

Paula V said...

Loved and needed this:
"Friends, wherever God has us right now, let us fully surrender our hearts to the task. May we allow Him to do his best refining work through our greatest struggles and difficulties."

Trying so hard to surrender and be joyful at where He has me.

Carrie said...

So often we try to avoid difficulties, when facing them head on actually develops strength.

Anonymous said...

This is just beautiful. Wow. And, so true. What an amazing devotion this is. Awesome!

Lauren said...

Tracy, I feel so blessed to have stumbled upon your site today (from Just a Little Something from Judy). From your banner with it's beautiful verse, to this incredible post, I have been truly moved. You are clearly a gifted writer -- and an inspiration. I'll be back for sure.

Thank you for these stunning words of wisdom.

Tracy said...

Thank you for your kind comments. This beautiful devotional message was not written by me, but shared from a classic book entitled, "Streams in the Desert" written by L.B. Cowman. One of my favorites.

LisaShaw said...

I soaked in every word and am truly blessed.

I love you my friend.

My heart and prayers remain with you and your family.

Susan said...

Wow, that was AWESOME.

I've missed you Tracy!

Hope things are going well for you and your parents.

Blessings♥

Kristi said...

Girl, I've been missing you! How are you? Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog and for your prayers. You are a blessing!

Lana said...

What an awesome testimony!!!

Blessings to you!

Natalie said...

I've been MIA this summer from blogging but what a wonderful post to come back too!