So one of our daughters recently had a birthday. One of her gifts was a sewing machine. She’s never sewn so we went together to get a pattern and material. There were extra items needed as well, including straight pens and elastic.It amazed me that there was not a single bit of elastic to be found. Until I remembered that many people have been making masks at home. When will we be able to buy elastic for everyday use again? For now it’s find it in your own storehouse of stuff or go without.
Oh beloved, God speaks to our hearts. Do you feel that you could use some elastic in your life? I don’t know but I’m feeling a little stretched out right now. Just as things seem to be returning to a level of normalcy our state is now on mandated mask wearing. If you read the news stories you don’t really know what to think. Conspiracy theory or just being cautious?
God wants you to know this morning that your life is hidden in Christ.
That means all that happens to you and all you go through now has a badge of courage on it. It also is working so that even when you feel you’re stretched out you have inner resilience. And all the while, going through the fear, the discouragement, and the disbelief at turn of events you are getting a transformation. It’s true! You’re being changed, everyone is. But you who have given your life to Christ and been born again have the privilege to know intimately the work of Christ through your courage, resilience and transformation. It doesn’t yet appear what we who are Christians will be in heaven, but we know that when we see Him we will be like Him! We also have the privilege to produce His qualities in our lives – love, hope, peace, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. We want the qualities of Christ but they come through things we don’t want to go through. Change, hardship, and more are creating in each of us a glory that far surpasses our present troubles! Nothing is without valor in God’s economy. He is using even this present darkness to give us His light to shine His nature and character to the watching world.
God loves you and He’s for you. You are so much more valuable to Him than a piece of elastic that is so rare right now. You are treasured and you have purpose. Run to Him this morning and ask Him to show you who you really are and how you should live today. And be the blessed child you are, motivated by His Spirit in your inner being and living in the Light of true courage, resilience and transformation in Christ!
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ— if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”