We were
purposefully created in the image and likeness of a marvelous and majestic
God. Throughout our lives, we are continually touched and transformed by
His grace and mercy – as long as we willingly surrender to the restoring power
of His redemptive love. Although there are moments when we appear to be
‘ugly’ and radically different in character than the Creator’s original design,
our God has a definite plan and process in mind. “For I know the
thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you
a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
In many ways, we
have profound similarities to the scarab beetle. While most people find
beetles and bugs to be somewhat creepy, the jewel scarab might just turn you
into a beetle lover. They live in the jungles of Honduras and their
colors are so amazing that they have great value and sell for up to $500 each.
Scarabs are colorfully adorned in flaming red, radiant gold and bright
silver that resembles a luminous chrome. Even beetle haters find jewel
scarabs to be absolutely dazzling and beautiful!
But their origins
are radically different from their latter lives. That is, the jewel
scarab’s beauty does not come automatically. They have rather modest,
even ugly beginnings – emerging as soft, mushy, grey-white grubs growing inside
rotting tree stumps. They remain in place for a year or so. During
the rainy season, the adult scarabs emerge from their trees, with that soft
body and pale appearance. However, within hours their bodies harden and
their splendid colors start to show. Jewel scarabs only live for another
three months or so, but what a glorious and magnificent existence. They
are among God’s most attractive creations!
People are just
like scarabs. There are moments when we may not feel (or appear to be) beautiful
or attractive. I’m not referring to our bodies, rather our minds, our
characters, our thoughts, our emotions and our decisions. Nevertheless,
if we are willing to submit to the ongoing creative process of God, over time, with
effort and submission, we emerge as beautiful, dazzling, shining creatures,
gloriously bearing the spiritual image of our Creator.
It’s a process. It’s a process. It’s a process.
In case you didn’t
hear me, IT’S A PROCESS.
So hang in there
while the Divine Architect completes His work in you and your family. The
finished product that God is strategically formulating in the body/mind/spirit
of every believer is reminiscent of my life-verse, Philippians 1:6. “Being
confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will
complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Never be afraid to
admit to any person whom you encounter along this journey called life: “Please be
patient with me…God is not through with me yet.” Indeed, much like the jewel scarab beetle, your
Creator is gradually configuring and conforming you to the image of Christ. And, you will shine!
Sisters and
brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE
READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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