And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 ESV)
Merriam-Webster defines masterpiece as: “a work done with extraordinary skill.” I’d like to share a truth with you that you might not know, you are a masterpiece that God isn’t finished with yet. I’d like to remind you that God doesn’t make trash. This thought may appear a bit strange almost midway through our devotional series, but I promise we are going somewhere.
If I told you every day that you were useless garbage, worthless, and that no one loved you, what do you think would eventually happen? Chances are almost a guarantee that you would start feeling like useless garbage, worthless, that no one did or could love you. Of course, all of those things are not true about you. You are beloved by the Creator of the universe, and He knows your name.
The reason I want this thought in your mind today is because what you believe about yourself will impact the way in which you live your life. If you believe you are worthless garbage, chances are likely that you will live the lifestyle of someone who doesn’t realize who they really are. If the enemy can convince us that we are a failure and no matter what we will always be a failure, we might start to believe him. This cycle of lies leads to a life of defeat, regret, and shame.
Back to the masterpiece. When you surrendered your life to Jesus as Lord a lifelong process called sanctification began. Simply put, sanctification is the daily process where the Holy Spirit is making you more and more like Jesus and less and less like the old, dead you.
Think about a clump of clay on a potter’s wheel. At first it is just an ugly, gray glob of wet dirt. It is useless, cold, and serves no great purpose. Enter the potter, he confidently takes his place at the potter’s wheel, takes the clay in his hands, and begins the careful process of molding, shaping, and crafting the clay into something beautiful. Watch the process long enough and you’ll see the potter take that useless piece of clay and turn it into a masterpiece with a new purpose.
Imagine a painter staring at a blank canvas. He looks over the empty space, one that appears boring, lifeless, and without purpose. The painter stares deeply as if he can see something we can’t. He grabs his brush and some paint and begins a flurry of work. As we watch, he adds layers of paint, and carefully he brings something into focus. Clearer and clearer it becomes as the painter spends countless hours bringing a new masterpiece to life. Give the painter time and although you could have never guessed when he started, the blank canvas has become a beautiful picture with incredible shades of colors, depth, clarity, and beauty.
Lastly, think about an author writing a new novel. The author begins with a few empty pieces of paper and a pen. As he sits all you can see are some useless pieces of paper and his pens. No stories have been written, no plot twists, no tragedies, and no victories. The story is dead and lifeless now but give the author time. Carefully the author begins to write the story. Words turn into chapters and chapters into a novel that takes our breath away.
I’m sure you already guessed… God is the Potter, the Painter, and the Author. It’s time for you to stop believing the lies of the enemy and to begin reading, studying, believing, and proclaiming the truth of God’s Word over your life. Your life may look like a useless mess with no hope and no future. In the hands of the Potter, He can begin to shape you and mold you to become something you can’t imagine.
God will finish the good work He has started in your life. Today I challenge you to begin reading the Scripture and exploring the things God says about you. God had a purpose and a plan for your life before He ever created you in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Today it is time to start fighting the lies of the enemy with the truth of God’s Word.
Father, thank You. As I look back over my life, I can’t help but see You are doing something far greater than I ever imagined. Thank You that I am not who the enemy says I am. Jesus, You gave everything so I could become a son of God. There is never anything I could ever do to repay or deserve the gift of salvation I have in You. Holy Spirit, thank You for helping me become more like Jesus. Please help me not to resist the work You are doing in my life but to submit to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
