A Complete Restoration

As this year draws quickly to a peaceful close, I am again gently reminded of God's constant goodness to us.  His blessings, both overwhelm and encourage me.  There are too many to count and they are new every morning; however lately I am struck by one particular aspect of God's character.  That is, His inability to leave us where we are.  Though sometimes difficult and painful, anything that God is doing in me, day by day, is GOOD, has infinite eternal value and is leading me closer to the woman He created me to be.  This refining nature of our God proves, as Charles Stanley puts it:  "that God is utterly committed to work in you."  He's got plans for us, beautiful, perfect plans!  He is the master decorator of our lives and won't stop until every inch is made beautiful and we reflect the glorious image of His Son.  He cares THAT much!
Just as all of these thoughts have been churning in my heart and my head, I read the sweetest devotion this morning that brought it all full circle.
I'd love to share it with you.

"God loves to decorate.  God HAS to decorate.  Let Him live long enough in a heart and that heart will begin to change.  Portraits of hurt will be replaced by landscapes of grace.  Walls of anger will be demolished and shaky foundations restored.  God can no more leave a life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched....
This might explain some of the discomfort in your life.  Remodeling of the heart is not always pleasant.  We don't object when the Carpenter adds a few shelves, but He's been known to gut the entire west wing.  He has such high aspirations for you.  God envisions a complete restoration.  He won't stop until He is finished....He wants you to be just like Jesus."
Just Like Jesus
Max Lucado    

We are so blessed to serve such a God who refuses to leave us where we are.
It's the best before and after picture we could ever imagine!

-Emily