Sometimes we put walls about ourselves. Kind of like turtles, we withdraw into our shells whenever we think we might be in danger.
We have been hurt, afraid, or just plain shy, or maybe we have a secret we don’t anyone to know. We are afraid to let some people get past the wall. Jesus, patiently, with His unfailing love, tells us,
“I have come for people to have life and have it until it overflows” (John 10:10).
Sometimes when we choose not to believe Him, He will use people (who rub us the wrong way), painful circumstances, death, financial problems, sickness, sorrow, and disappointments to help us yield to His polishing — to take down the wall. When we trust Him and look to Him for strength, wisdom, and direction, He brings out the beauty in each one of us.
“They looked to Him and were radiant. . . ” Psalm 34:5, Amplified.
Lord Jesus, I am so glad You know everything about me and love me anyways. Thank You that You know best how to bring out our inner beauty. Help us to yield to Your “polishing” and trust You in everything. Amen.
Going Deeper
1. Can you think of a person who has been refined into a “shining star” through difficult circumstances?
2. Can you think of a situation that God used to refine you?
3. How did you respond or react at first? Did you recognize God’s hand in what was happening to you? Have you learned to thank.
by Katherine Kehler
used by permission
FURTHER READING
Something Beautiful of my Life
The Confession | Christian Poem by Katy Kauffman