An unsharpened pencil is useless. The act of sharpening it to a fine point in order to shape it into a useful and purposeful tool is a dramatically transforming process.
In the life of a believer, the shaping and sharpening of our lives to a point is often painful, but essential in order to be an available tool in the Master writer’s hand.
This allows Him to write His story for others through the surrendered and transformed tool of our lives.
Reflections on THE TOOL
In the same way that God sharpens those who are suffering, God can use the suffering of our friends, loved ones, and others that He places in our lives to sharpen our sensitivity to His voice and His leading. We can learn lessons of endurance, patience, peace and even joy from those who are constantly seeking the Lord in the midst of suffering. We can see in real life the lessons taught in Scripture about trusting God, no matter what happens. We can see Romans 8:28 “fleshed out” as we watch God take suffering and work good out of it, both in the life of the sufferer and in our own lives, as we learn to be grateful for health and other blessings that God has given us.
There is much to be learned as we walk alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ and try to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them. We have opportunities to make an eternal difference in their lives, and even in the lives of those who do not know the Lord.
Are you a useful tool in God’s tool box? Or has He had to set you aside in the “need to be sharpened” section until you are ready to allow Him to sharpen you by using you in the lives of those who need encouragement and hope? Let Him sharpen you up today so that He can use you the way He built you to be used. He has uniquely gifted you to be part of the lives of those He has purposefully placed in your life. Let Him use you today. You will be amazed at all He wants to do through you.
Prayer for the hurting person:
Lord,
Please encourage this believer who is being “sharpened” that You have a purpose and a plan for her life. Help her to rest in Your sovereignty and give her the grace and faith to yield to Your leadership.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for the helper:
Lord,
It is so hard to watch those we love suffer. I know that Romans 8:28 is true. You have proven Your love over and over again and I believe You. Help me to be the encourager she needs in the midst of this trying time. Help me to point her to you and use me to help strengthen her faith in You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
