Day 153
Be encouraged…those irritations that you have now, no matter how “irritating that they may seem” will turn out to be amazing blessings…WHEN you do it God’s way.
Do you ever have one of those irritations, that you would do ANYTHING to get rid of. I mean, you would take any medication…go to any doctor…do any therapy…JUST GET THIS THING OUTTA HERE!!!
Me too. But that is because we only look at things from our perspective. Look at it from an oyster’s perspective.
A natural pearl begins its life inside an oyster’s shell when an intruder, such as a grain of sand or bit of floating food, slips in between one of the two shells of the oyster, and the protective layer that covers the mollusk’s organs, called the mantle. In order to protect itself from irritation, the oyster will quickly begin covering the uninvited visitor with layers of nacre–the mineral substance that fashions the mollusk’s shells. Layer upon layer of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, coat the grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed.
That is the way that irritations are with us. They are uncomfortable. I would assume that an oyster doesn’t like that intrusion in their shell…but I have never asked one, and I doubt that they would answer if I did. Not to mention the fact that my family would look at me strangely. Or should I say….”more strangely.”
But God uses those things that we would consider “annoyances” to refine us. Consider these two verses:
- Proverbs 25:4 – Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith;
- 1 Peter 1:6-7 – 6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
So be encouraged friend….God isn’t annoying you….He is refining you. So that He can use you. It is much better than you could ever imagine. If you don’t think so…ask an oyster. Or ask someone with a beautiful strand of pearls.
Grace and Peace, Dan
