In the past few weeks, we’ve reflected on God’s wounding to shape us. At the root of our response to His handiwork arises the question, “Can we trust God enough to allow Him to wound us?” Here is a devotion that assures us of God’s good purposes:

IN WORD – In Revelation 21:2, the new Jerusalem, the city of God, is portrayed as a beautiful bride. That should tell us plenty about God’s view of His people. The Architect has specified living materials in the plans He has drawn up, and He is personally invested in the project. He loves whatever He makes.

God’s affection for Jerusalem as revealed in the Old Testament was applied by New Testament writers to the church, a melting pot that included Jews, Gentiles, slave, free, male, female—everyone who believed. While many religions depict a god who is capricious, uninvolved, or stern and strict, there’s no such portrait of God in the Bible. He is intimately involved in His work, and He is zealous about completing what He started. When the prophets show us a God who designs and builds, they are revealing a direction and purpose to this world that few people recognize. And that purpose comes from an extremely good heart.

IN DEED – Meditate on that today. Spend some time thinking about the direction not only of the world, but also of your life. Don’t focus on the process, but on the finished product. See if you can envision yourself in the eternal city, a key member of the cherished bride of Christ, one of the beloved whom He calls “the apple of His eye.” You may not be comfortable with such intimate affection from your Lord, but you’ll have to get used to it. Spend some time getting used to it today. It is imperative for every Christian to understand the diligence of the Architect over His plans. He does not waste materials, He does not treat His designs casually, He is not sloppy in His work, and He is never deterred from completing His project. This is why He created the world to begin with, and He will not fail to use you exactly as He planned. “That tender love completely surrounds us, never to leave us.” – Julian of Norwich (in “Worship the King” by Chris Tiegreen)

We’ve entered the season of Lent as of March 5th – Ash Wednesday. For many traditions, Lent is intended to remind us of our human frailty and sinfulness so that we can cultivate a heart of gratitude to celebrate Easter. Lent reminds us that we are on a spiritual journey of becoming, from beings of mere dust to divine children of God. This is God’s master plan – to make each of us the “apple of His eye.”

Do you know how precious you are to God? When you do, it will enable you to trust Him fully, even if it may require a bit of “wounding.” Take time to reflect on Psalm 139, Isaiah 40, and Romans chapters 1 – 5 this week, asking the Holy Spirit to help you understand the depths of God’s love to redeem you. Have a blessed week!
– from Singapore, Pastor Sam