Something Beautiful Remains

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”  Genesis 1:27

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Ephesians 2:10 

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”  Isaiah 40:8

I had a conversation with a friend about loss recently. Most people think of loss when you lose a loved one. Loss comes in many forms; loss of a job, loss of a friendship, loss of a home, loss of a pet, loss of a special gift, loss of health, or a divorce. During these distressing times, we may feel extremely sad and alone, yet our God is right there holding us in His arms. Indeed, these heartbreaking times cause us to grow and change. Especially, if we are a child of God; if we believe in the Lord, He will do good works through us and our circumstances.

We may not see or understand what He is creating through this hardship, but we can rest in Him and know that something beautiful will blossom from it. It may be that we become closer to Him or someone else is drawn to Him because of how He helped us through our affliction. Either way, have peace that He is in control, that we are created in His image and we are His handiwork to do good works in His name. Whatever the good works may be, God has prepared them in advance for us to do and He will display His glory through it.  

The tide recedes but leaves behind

bright seashells on the sand.

The sun goes down, but gentle

warmth still lingers on the land.

The music stops, and yet it echoes

on in sweet refrains…..

For every joy that passes,

something beautiful remains.

….   Anonymous

Prayer:  Dear gracious heavenly Father, thank you for guiding us through the adversities of life. Just as You created the sea to ebb and flow, so too do the trials in our lives. Just as You parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites, You part the rising waters in our lives. Though the waters rise, the flowers and grass wither, Lord, You tell us that Your Word endures forever. Thank you for this promise. Thank you for Your Son. In His precious name, Jesus. Amen.

For further reading: Ephesians 2