Five Things Jesus Does For a Hot Mess

Ever feel discouraged about your life, wishing you could get it together and see some progress instead of just chaos? I get it. That’s me, too.

Those of us who serve Jesus are works in progress.
Your story is far from over, and the end result will be stunning – but the process is not pretty.

Kind of like the water damage we had two months ago. One harmless gurgle in the bathroom wall, and the next thing you know, we have to rip out tile, sheet rock, vinyl, sub floor and fixtures.

For eight weeks we made multiple trips to Home Depot and tripped over stuff. For eight weeks we had sawdust layering everything, stacks of flooring, tiles, and paint supplies cramming the hallway, packing material spilling out of the carport, and the shop vac sitting in the front room.

As my toddler grandson put it, “Oh, no! Mess!”

After eight weeks of waiting and working and hoping, we are almost done –  and now I can hardly believe it’s the same room.

Which makes me think of what God does in us.

Can I encourage you? There is a point to all this unfinished business in your soul. The stuff you keep tripping over, the areas that are still messy, the costs that keep adding up … God has a goal in mind, and he thinks you are worth working on.

Here are some promises to grab hold of while you are under construction:

•      Jesus will faithfully transform you. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
•   Jesus feels for you. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” – Hebrews 4:15
•      Jesus does the heavy lifting. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” –Matthew 11:28-30
•    Jesus orchestrates everything to accomplish his purpose.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” –  Romans 8:28
•     Jesus will not stop his good work in you until he is done. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:5-7

Take heart. The Master Contractor is not looking you thinking, “Oh, no! Mess!” He is smiling in anticipation of the beautiful masterpiece you are becoming.