#Retrospective, this post originally published September 4, 2018.
Anyone who has stood inside a majestic cathedral and gazed up at the towering stained glass windows can’t help but stand in awe at the beauty. The intricate detail of all the pieces precisely aligned create amazing images illuminated by sunlight. It’s a breathtaking feeling that gives us a sense of the infinite magnificence of our God.
But this week I had a different view of stained glass windows. I thought of all the small glass pieces laying on a table in random piles; pieces carefully cut with precision by a master craftsman. To the casual observer, all those pieces look like a bunch of shattered glass, broken and useless. But the craftsman has the full picture in mind and knows how to assemble the pieces to create an inspiring image illuminated by the light.
Sometimes your life might feel like all those pieces of colored glass scattered on the table. All you can see are shattered pieces all over the place and nothing makes sense; broken pieces full of pain and suffering. Mixed within the assortment are blackened pieces of glass that block the light; dark pieces Satan tries to wedge in to create a false image of your life; dark pieces that block the light. In the middle of all these shattered pieces you need to rely on God to help you put It all together.
God is the master craftsman who has a purpose and plan for your life. He sees all of your brokenness and the scattered pieces of your life. He knows how to bring it all together to create a life illuminated by the light of Christ Jesus; a life that can inspire others with the Spirit of God. He can remove the dark pieces and the false image of your life if you humbly submit to the work of your creator; letting go of your efforts to piece your life together so God can form you in his image, illuminated by his light.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:17 (NIV)
My days have passed, my plans are shattered. Yet the desires of my heart turn night into day; in the face of the darkness light is near. Job 17:11-12 (NIV)
© 2018 CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
I AM EDIFIED!
Praise God for His love and grace! Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
God picks up our shattered pieces and makes something beautiful.
Amen! The master craftsman. Blessings.
The dark pieces are being removed from inside my mind, but I am keeping the pieces, now illuminated, to use to reach others with like pieces in their mind. Great post!
Your post presents a perfect metaphor for the post I wrote last week, “Micki’s Story,” about a woman whose life WAS shattered, and God created great beauty out of the pieces. How about that?! P.S. Thank you for becoming a follower of my blog, From the Inside Out. (Perhaps it was that story that prompted you to do so!) I pray you’ll find the posts meaningful whenever you’re able to visit.
I wrote this post a few weeks ago when I was feeling like some of those pieces and scheduled it to publish this week. We serve such a loving God filled with grace who sees so much potential in us when we can’t see it in ourselves. I shall take a look at your post “Micki’s Story”.
So beautiful!! Leaving your problems at the feet of the Cross is what we’re called to do. Humble yourself before the Lord, and all these things will be added unto you!!
Can I pray for something specific, for you?
Thanks for asking… prayers to focus on God’s ultimate image, not the broken pieces; to rest in his purpose and plan.
Two in the morning, and she runs down the hall. Daddy, I had a bad dream. Can I sleep here with you? you throw back the covers, and she snuggles and tight. You wipe her tears and whisper baby that’s all right. You give her a kiss, and tell her, I’ll cut those monsters down to size . Five minutes later, she is sleeping with ease but you’re praying to the Lord, please daddy please thank Hold me Daddy, don’t let go Hold me Daddy, just a little bit more Holding the store ime Daddy, I don’t want to be alone Hold me Daddy, until the monster’s gone when the struggles of mylife comes knocking down my door, when the mountains crumble, and the dragons roar Hold me Daddy, don’t let go Hold me Daddy, just a little bit more It is you I need, when the monsters come and it is you I need when life beats me. numb. The job, the bills, the stress. I know that’s the time I know I can say Hold me Daddy, don’t let go Hold me Daddy, just a little bit more I wrote this around 5 years ago. I’m awed, and humbled that our Heavenly Daddy desires a relationship with us! God Bless !!!
Wow. Fantastic post. Thanks dear friend for this amazing and encouraging words. Your post has touched my heart. God bless you dear friend. 😇🙏
May you continue to trust God as he shapes your life
Amen. Thanks dear friend for your valuable encouraging kind words. God bless you dear. 😇💐🌹🙏