Beautiful

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 The 5:18 ESV)

Read Chapter 5 and pay special attention to verse 18. 

Life has brought some challenging experiences. In every hurt and trial that God has allowed in my life, he has shown me just how faithful he is. He uses those experiences to be that which matures me, increases my faith, and makes me holy. Ultimately, these painful experiences become my greatest victory. I have experienced wonderful times of growth and closeness to God, I have experienced times where I resist and run as far away from him as I can, and I have experienced times when I frankly just don’t care about him. Even though I know God is good, sometimes the pain of growth, pruning, and humble introspection seem too much to bare. Thank God it’s not about my faithfulness. Thank God that he is the one who sanctifies me, he will do it completely, and he makes my life beautiful. 

Have you felt discouraged by the pain that life brings? He calls you child and your peace and security are in him. He is with you in all of your hurts and trials and if you let him, he will redeem it for his glory and for your sanctification. Take a moment to reflect on your life and all it encompasses. Can you identify the areas that God is using to make you holy? Are you resisting him? Can you see his faithfulness in working out your salvation? If that’s not you right now, can you think back to when God has been faithful and brought you through? If you can, celebrate it. Whatever your experience is today, as you reflect, take rest in the Lord and may you experience God’s perfect peace and security. 

"Brokenness Aside"

-All Sons and Daughters

Will your grace run out

If I let you down

'Cause all I know

Is how to run

'Cause I am a sinner

If it's not one thing it's another

Caught up in words

Tangled in lies

But You are a Savior

And You take brokenness aside

And make it beautiful

Beautiful

Will You call me child

When I tell you lies

'Cause all I know

Is how to cry

'Cause I am a sinner

If it's not one thing it's another

Caught up in words

Tangled in lies

But You are a Savior

And You take brokenness aside

And make it beautiful

Beautiful

You make it beautiful

You make it beautiful

- Natalie Chan