With
construction coming to an end, I was able to put my house in order. Cleaning actually lasted for more than one
day and décor strategically placed creating a homey feeling. Excitement filled while walking on the new
carpet where drywall dust once laid. I
no longer had to wear shoes in the basement and fear my kitchen being dusted
white each night. The washer and dryer
sparkled and I could actually leave folded clothes on it for a short time-frame. Oh, to have a clean home, no
construction in site!
Although
without going through the pains of construction, I never would have enjoyed the
transformed basement. Once open,
unfinished, now gorgeous and inviting. Each
wall built allowed for more beauty to develop.
Nail by nail, it all came together and renovation came to an end. My husband and father-in-law did all the
work, but not without my grumbling and complaining each and every moment. No end in sight appeared in my mind. The only piece I seen to the puzzle was mess
after mess after mess. I missed my
husband each evening and although I love my father-in-law dearly, I dreaded
seeing his white truck in my driveway. Their
hard work paid off tenfold. The basement
looks amazing!
This
scenario does not reveal the first encounter of grumbling and complaining while
under construction. My past, full of
sin, continues to go through periods of construction. Since becoming a Christian and following
prompting of the Holy Spirit, daily messes continue to reveal ready for
cleanup! Thankfully, God provides the
means and material to complete such a hefty project. Without going through the pains of facing
past hurts I would never enjoy the peace through forgiveness. God revealed to me over the years that each
sin redeemed builds a beautiful ministry.
He reminds me that nail by nail, He washed all of my past away.
Days
may not go as I intend, pain may arise from the past or health concerns remind
me of wrongful choices; but, God overpowers them all and works mightily to
create a clean home! I welcome Him in
and rejoice when seeing His mighty hand at work. I have learned that grumbling and complaining
only hinders the process depriving my soul of any learning along the way. Too bad for my husband and father-in-law that
I am a slow learner! I continue to catch
myself grumbling and complaining in this world.
Results never change – frustration, hurt and disrespect. Oh, but I will learn and God will provide
strength to close my mouth and rejoice in progress knowing the end result far
outweighs the momentary concerns.
Just
as the Israelites grumbled for 40 years, we may catch ourselves doing the
same. Without seeing the land of milk
and honey, only feeling the fleshly pains of hunger, fear and doubt; the Israelites
delayed their arrival when failing to trust and keep their eyes on the
prize. Along the way, God revealed
Himself numerous times. He allowed Moses
to part the sea to cross on dry land while the Egyptians drowned behind
them. He provided enough manna for daily
nourishment. He presented clean water to
ensure hydration. He kept health among
them. Although revealed numerous times,
the Israelites grumbled and doubted.
Slowly, they understood and arrived at the land promised. Their sins build a ministry to current
Christians. We learn from their story
and experiences.
Let
us take this moment and ask for forgiveness!
Ask God to provide strength to combat grumbling and complaining as He
works mightily in our lives. Keep your
eye on the prize and this momentary trouble will seem minuscule. Construction must occur so we can put our
home back in order. Cleanliness will
last and your souls will sparkle. Oh, the
day we meet our God, renovation will come to an end! We will rejoice in His presence. Let us enjoy the trip!
Keep
praying harder than the devil can work!
Sheree
Craig
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