“O storm-battered city, troubled and desolate! I will rebuild you with precious jewels and make your foundations from lapis lazuli. I will make your towers of sparkling rubies, your gates of shining gems, and your walls of precious stones.” – Isaiah 54:11-12
photo credit: greg westfall. via photopin cc
Do you ever have crash test dummy days? I’m talking battered, tossed-about, never-come-out-of-this-unmarred days. The days where everything seems to be mounting an attack against you, from the moment you open your eyes. The days when you cry out in desperation for relief, however brief and small.
I imagine on those days that I look a lot like a test-dummy after a long day in the testing lab. I’ve seen those commercials where they show him being launched against a wall, or slammed into with sandbags. Yep, that’s what those days feel like. And just like in the commercials, the tests just keep coming, without time to catch my breath. And they always leave me feeling that I must look about as beaten as I feel. Defeated, troubled, storm-battered, and desolate… just like the city in Isaiah.
And listen to the promise made to that city that God loves. Does He not love me? Yes, in fact, I am that city that He makes the promise to, the one He will rebuild and restore. God will not only rescue and rebuild me, He will restore me using precious jewels and gemstones! He will make even my very foundations stunning and strong! My towers will be covered with rubies, my gates will shine!
This scripture gives me such joy and hope on my crash test dummy days. I am not left in a heap on the testing-room floor. I am gathered tenderly to Him and restored. I am recreated, better than ever, and more beautiful than I could ever be on my own.
I hold to this promise on those impossible days. I cling to the knowledge that He cannot lie and that He will not forget or disappoint. I hope in Him. And it is enough to hold these days at bay.
Beautiful Maker, Your promise is beautiful, and inspires me! Gather me to you on these days of struggle and angst. Thank You for Your constant care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Oh yes, I know those days! But what a beautiful picture to give us hope of redemption, grace and love.
Thanks for sharing at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel
Mel Caldicott recently posted…How to Meditate on Scripture (and Allow God’s Word to Change Your Life!)
Mel, it’s so nice to meet you! Thanks for visiting, and leaving the sweet comment. Blessings, Shelly <3
Wow Shelly you can write. This was one of the best sermons I have ever heard and I have listened to a few great ones. Your description and likening is so perfect and explanation at the end is just great. Unfortunately, in our limited minds we can sometimes dare to question the purpose of our creator. Thanks for the answers you provided.
TC recently posted…Crash Tests Show Luxury Automobiles Aren’t As Strong
TC, I’m glad you were encouraged by this post. We serve a powerful God, able to use even a broken vessel like me for His glory. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3