In the Workshop

Many years ago, a good friend of ours created a handcrafted table in the shape of a surfboard. It took him eight months to make it. In his carpenters shop, the wood was chosen. It was cleaned and prepared to be formed into his desire and vision. It was chosen then set aside. It was cut then set aside. Individual pieces of wood were pressed together and set aside.

For days and months different parts would be chosen, worked on then set to the side. Forming them. Fitting them. Preparing them to be put together as a whole. Parts are chiseled down with great skill until they are the perfect size, not too wide but also not too small as they must be strong enough to stand under great pressure. Then they are wrapped tight and set aside. The base is measured, planned and then cut. Then sanded, sealed and polished. Then set aside.  When all the parts are ready, they are brought together. By force and pressure, they are joined by glue or secured into place by the hammer and nail. After the long process of putting all those individual parts together until they were one beautiful piece of art from the master craftsman, it is sanded down and sealed. Now it was ready for use.

As my friend walked me through the long process of making this beautiful functional piece of art, it made me think of how the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT)

The end result is magnificent but the process is intense and takes a long time.

What has the Creator brought together? Is the vision realized? Does the wood know? Does it know that it is a part of a table or a chair? Does it know what it has become? It does not. Does it choose what it is formed into?  Does it choose when it is done? Does it choose where it is placed? Does it choose when it is used?

In the Master’s hands, a block of wood is recreated into a masterpiece. Fine and beautiful, useful and functional. In the Master’s plan it is given for use. By the Master’s hand it is created as a gift.  By the Master’s desire it is used as needed.

My friend, today you are in the process of becoming a masterpiece through your relationship with Jesus.

You have been chosen and are being cut, sanded down, polished and prepared to do what God, the Master Craftsman of your life, has created you for.

He is creating you to be a blessing, to bring great value to all those around you. Hidden within the mundane moments of daily duties lies the glory of God using you as He sees fit to take care of and love others.  You have been chosen and are being crafted into His masterpiece.

No matter what stage of preparation you are in, and there are many seasons that we go back into the workshop, you can trust God that He knows what He is preparing you for.

Have an amazing day in God’s Workshop today and trust Him with the process.