when the busyness of our days overtake us, his beauty in us is marred

He’s Still Working On Me

As I travel the winding road from our small subdivision into town, I like to look at the homes along the way, noting landscaping or any visible décor.  For some time, one home was a bit of an eyesore – the yard was full of things, always a number of cars in various stages of repair in the drive, and quite often, one brand or another of moving trucks, too!  But one day, as we drove by we noted everything was gone from the yard, and, the house was empty!

A short time later, we saw workmen there – obviously involved with inside updates and repairs.  Then a new roof replaced the old, fresh paint covered all of the wooden areas of the building, pretty green shutters were put at all windows, fresh dirt surrounded the house, and a few plants were put in place.  What a transformation!

Watching this unfold brought to mind the transformation in a believer’s life as the Holy Spirit begins His work of restoration to make one more like Jesus.  Little by little He makes repairs to the hurts and broken pieces; He restores one’s soul, giving a new awareness of the hope, the victory, the healing that is available for the asking.  He reminds us there is MORE as we walk in obedience to Him. And there is joy and peace, an eagerness to serve Him and others.  One’s spiritual house is looking good – just like that rejuvenated house on the way into town.

But just the other day I noted that, in spite of all the work done on that house, the trim edging the roof had not been painted – the white is all spotted and unattractive.  Um …. Just like our lives sometimes!  In the busyness of our days, trials, physical issues, the pain of hurt or loss, wrong desires or attitudes overtake us and His beauty in us is marred.

Whether that house’s trim will ever be painted or not I do not know. But this I do know: the owner of our souls wants to care for the unfinished areas in our lives.  He has promised that He who began that work will bring it to completion.  (Philippians 1:6) It is a life-long process, a daily process, but not something we can do of ourselves.

The Apostle Paul wrote that the old sinful nature wars with our spiritual nature; indeed, we sometimes do what we should not or neglect to do what we should.  How wonderful to know, however, that there is daily forgiveness; to know “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him ….”  (2 Peter 1:3) Yes, that same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to keep His house (you and me!) beautiful. (Ephesians 1:19,20) So profound, yet so simple! He wants to do so much MORE for us, in us, and through us.

Whether a new believer or one who has walked with Jesus for a very long time, I trust claiming the truth of those verses, you too can gratefully say, as the little song reminds us,“He’s still working on me, to make me what I ought to be!”

Patty Peters

Member at Large. Pat and her husband Lee served as Alliance international workers in the Philippines prior to their ministry in Chattanooga, TN and her leadership of the Southern District GCW Team. After nearly 54 years of ministry, Lee and Pat retired in 2016. They now attend the Elizabethton Alliance Church in northeast Tennessee. [email protected]

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