He wants our mess

If you have been a little girl or have had little girls, then you know the jewelry drawer is a place where necklaces go to die. Like seriously, what do those things do in there when we aren’t looking? Somehow, over time, all those dainty little necklaces conglomerate into one giant rat’s nest that is mocking you! 

One day, my youngest daughter brought her tangled mess to me, because she wanted to wear one of the necklaces. To many, (like my husband), the task of untangling this web of death would be a waste of time. The easy answer would be to just throw it all away and start over with something new. But for me–who loves a challenge and doesn’t like to let things go to waste–I was thrilled to take this on! 

My daughter tried, unsuccessfully to sort out this chaotic knot. When she exhausted all of her efforts, she brought her mess to me in hopes that I would make these pieces useful again, which I am proud to say–after about 30 minutes–I was completely successful. 

God wants to do the same for us. He wants us to hand over those elements in our lives that were once functional and lovely, and somehow,over the course of time, have become worthless.

He desires to make those ugly things useful and beautiful once again.

Have you found yourself in chaos? Maybe it is in your finances, your marriage, your relationships, or your thoughts. Whatever disorder you find yourself in, there is a Father whose hand is extended and open, inviting you to place it in His hand.

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Isaiah 61 says, “He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair!” (NLT)

And Psalm 39:11 says, “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,” (NLT‬‬)

He is the master of exchange. Only Jesus can turn our mess into a message, our test into a testimony, and our pain into a plan! 

There is a story in the Bible of a man who had a withered hand. I imagine he spent most of his days keeping that deformed appendage tucked away, out of sight, possibly embarrassed by how it appeared to others. Maybe he was born with it, or maybe an accident happened when he was young that caused the natural development to cease. Whatever the reason, there was now an obvious deformity where there should have been normalcy. 

But look at what Jesus did!

“Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. ...Then He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one!” Matthew‬ 12:9-10a, 13‬ NLT‬‬

In order for the deformity to be healed, Jesus asked this man to expose it and bring it out into the open. And He is asking the same of you and me.

So take that thing...you know what it is, the area you have felt shame about, the issue you have beat yourself up over, the condition you have kept hidden because you are embarrassed by it. That thing that has crippled certain parts of you and has taken the wind out of your sails. The situation you feel is too far gone for God to use. Yep, that issue right there...that is what He is after. Not to condemn you or lord it over you, but to heal you, restore you, and give you hope that even THAT thin -  He can make it beautiful again. He invites you to place that mess into His hands, so He can restore you and set you free. 

Sister, don’t waste another second hiding it. Don’t let the accuser of the brethren keep you in bondage one more day. Bring it out into the open. Freedom and healing is just one extended hand away.

Sabrina Schlesinger

Sabrina is a mother to three girls and one boy. She is also a pastors wife, freelance graphic designer and mom coach! She resides in beautiful San Diego where the sun shines almost every day. She prefers chai lattes over coffee, mac-n-cheese over vegetables and staying in over going out. Check her out on Instagram and Facebook!