The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze,
and your strength will equal your days. Deuteronomy 33:25 (NIV)
I went looking for treasure the other day among old, ruined things that had been cast aside. They were deemed useless, but I was thinking differently. What could I do with the broken pieces? It was a warehouse of endless possibilities and I eagerly searched through the dusty, crowded, and darkened aisles. Surely, the ancient iron gates, bolts, and mosaic tiles could be salvaged. They were a gift waiting to be discovered.
There are days it is also hard to trust we have a purpose. Our light grows dim and we feel our age; we can’t move like we used to and long for physical strength. And the voices in our head remind us of our past failures. Facing obstacles at every turn, it appears that everything is stacked against us. Hopelessness grows as melancholy thoughts take over. We soon become what we have deemed ourselves…useless.
In the midst of our wondering and wandering, God reminds us that He is the one who determines our purpose. He walks with us and will open doors so that gates will not be closed. He will equip us and provide the strength we need as we enter into His service, no matter our age, disability, or past. Our lives are a gift, treasure in the darkness. We must be ready and willing to be used for His Kingdom.
To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut;
I will go before you and make the rough places smooth;
I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars.
I will give you the treasures of darkness
And hidden wealth of secret places,
So that you may know that it is I,
The Lord, the God of Israel,
who calls you by your name.
Isaiah 45:1-3 (NASB)
Our path will look different as God makes a New Way for us to serve. He will level the mountains before us and protect our weak and vulnerable places. We will find hidden gems of beauty, friendship, laughter, and kindness.
God is in the business of refurbishing lives, His hands remake what has been ruined and lost. Therefore, we say with trust and confidence, “All is well with our soul!”
He has called us by name; and so, we move forward in His strength.
Blessings,
Lily Mae
beautifully written, the insights…God given and inspired, touching my heart with a common thread of shared understanding. Reminded of the passage that reads…and you shall be call the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell…
This is one of my favorite passages , Joyce! Isaiah 58:12….reminds me of Nehemiah, also…rebuilding walls… and our mosaics! Miss you!