BEAUTIFIED BY GOD

BEAUTIFIED BY GOD

 We were purposefully created in the image and likeness of an awesome and majestic God.  Throughout our lives, we are touched and transformed by His grace and mercy – as we surrender to the restoring power of His redemptive love.  Although there are moments when we appear to be rather ‘ugly’ and radically different from the Creator’s original design, 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 deem beetles and bugs to be somewhat creepy, the jewel scarab just might turn you into a beetle lover.  They live in the jungles of Honduras and their colors are so amazing that they have great value, selling for up to $500 each.  Scarabs are magnificently adorned in flaming red, radiant gold and a bright shade of silver that resembles 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, unsightly 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 noteworthy existence.  They are among God’s most gorgeous creations!

 We humans are much like scarab beetles.  There are moments when we may not feel (or appear) to be beautiful or attractive.  I’m not referring to our bodies, but our characters, thoughts, emotions, decisions and actions.  Nevertheless, if we willingly embrace the ongoing creative process of God, eventually we will emerge, with purposeful effort and submission, as beautiful, dazzling, illuminating creatures, 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.  The finished product that God strategically formulates 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 offer this candid and transparent testimony to any person you may 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. 

 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!