Not Finished Yet

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5; James 1:2-4

“This old table that used to be Grandma’s is in pretty bad shape,” Corbin said as his father spread finish remover on the tabletop. “And I think you’re making it look worse instead of better.”

“Hey! I’m not done refinishing it,” Dad said.

The next day, Corbin watched Dad work on the table again. This time Dad was sanding it. “That still looks pretty bad,” Corbin said.

“I’m not through with it yet, you know,” Dad replied.

When Dad applied stain the next day, the table started looking better. “Hey, maybe that will turn out okay after all,” Corbin said. But to his surprise, on the following day Dad began sanding the tabletop again! “Dad,” Corbin said, “you’re going to ruin it!”

“Feel it,” said Dad, and Corbin rubbed his hand over the tabletop.

“It’s still kinda rough,” he said. “I guess it does need to be smoothed out some more.”

A couple of days later, the table was finally finished. “Good job, Dad,” Corbin said.

Dad smiled. “You and I are a lot like this table.”

Corbin laughed. “I sure hope you’re not planning to use the sander on me!”

“Hmm.” Dad scratched his chin, pretending to consider it, then patted Corbin on the shoulder. “When we become Christians, we’re not perfect, are we?”

“Definitely not!” said Corbin.

“Because we’re imperfect, we often get impatient with our spiritual growth—impatient with ourselves and with others,” Dad continued. “We have to remember that God isn’t finished with any of us yet. He saved us, and He’s working on us like I worked on that table. He uses all kinds of things to rub off rough spots and make us more like Jesus. Sometimes they’re difficult things.”

“Like the time I broke my arm?” Corbin asked.

Dad nodded. “But they can also be good things, like the fun you had at camp this summer making friends and learning about God.” Dad ran his hand over the tabletop. “We won’t ever be perfect in our lives here on earth, but we can trust God to use whatever circumstances we face to help us grow in our walk with Him.” Ruth I. Jay

How About You?

Have you experienced something that has helped you grow in your walk with Jesus? Maybe it was a good thing, like spending time outside enjoying His creation. Or maybe it was something difficult, like a divorce or death in your family. Whatever you go through, remember that Jesus is always with you. He can use any situation to help you grow and make you more like Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Job 23:10 When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Grow through every circumstance