Meditation

Read Ephesians 2:1-10                        —2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV)

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see everything has become new.

Four years ago, I moved to a newly developed subdivision. In front of each house was a maple tree. I noticed that the tree in front of my house was infested with insects. One day during a windstorm, the tree broke at the damaged spot. I cleaned up the branches and cut the remaining trunk to the ground.

A few weeks later I noticed a green shoot coming from the stump. Before fall arrived, the shoot was more than 3 feet tall. Today the tree has beautifully formed branches and is at least 18 feet tall.

At times our lives may seem broken beyond repair. Troubles may leave us devastated and hopeless. But we have a God who loves us through our brokenness. God’s grace can remove the debris in our lives and help us grow into something even better than before. It may take time, but we can trust that God will help us to transform our lives into something strong and beautiful.

Prayer—Lord Jesus, thank you for healing the brokenness in our lives. Forgive us and transform each of us into the beautiful person you intend us to be. Amen. 

Thought for the Day—When all seems lost, God can help me rebuild my life.

Lyle Weldon (Kentucky)