Building

"And it will be said! Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." Isaiah 57:14

Dictionary.com uses these words to define "Build": to construct, establish, increase, strengthen, to mold, form, create, assemble, to prepare in stages

In my Bible commentary it says this: "To the faithful ones in exile, God promises that a highway will be constructed for their return, and every obstruction will be removed."

Who is doing the building? What needs to be accomplished in order for the building to occur? Is it as simple as God speaking, and it is so? Or is it possible that an action needs to be done in order for the construction to begin? These are just questions coming to my mind as I write this.

"Build up, build up, prepare the road..."

...prepare in stages...I like that definition of "build".

From the moment we accept Christ as our personal Savior, the foundation of eternity is established. What happens from there determines the relationship we have with Christ. Little by little, we allow God to mold us, shape us, sift us, empty us, and then fill us. We are prepared in stages...a brick at a time.

Do you ever get frustrated with your growth as a Christ follower? Do you get irritated with yourself because you don't "get things right fast enough"? Do you feel like you let God down often? Do you stare at the image in the mirror and question in disgust how God can keep loving you despite your shortcomings?

You are being built...one brick at a time...and each brick is placed on your foundation at the exact moment that God places it there. Building is done in stages, in steps, one brick at a time, one layer at a time, in an orderly fashion, with each one being carefully and methodically arranged to create the house of your life.

The bricklayer is skilled, and precise, and knows exactly where each brick should lie. He has a master blueprint and everything is built off of that. He knows the end result...he knows where every brick needs to go in order to complete the masterpiece. He envisions every step of the way, and is prepared for anything that doesn't go according to plan.

He is ready for the rain, the snow, the sleet, and the hail, and each step he takes in building this house is carefully planned.

God is the same way, except He truly is the Master!

You ARE right where God knows you are! Are you at completion? No, I don't believe we get there until we are heaven. Even if it takes a little more time to get the house built, it's still being built, and the bricklayer is truly there every step of the way.

Yes, there are choices we make that slow down our progress, but it doesn't mean the house is done being built. Just as the bricklayer has to rearrange his timing because of rain or weather, God also sits and waits for our attitudes to pass, so He can finish what He started.

It's not over...it's a process...it's a journey...and God's gifts and callings are without repentance... God is not done working on you, and isn't about to give up on you! I don't know who I am writing this for, but you haven't "messed up" so bad that God is done with you!!!

~Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You do not give up on us. There are times that our choices get us into some pretty big messes, but even then, you don't turn Your backs on us. You pick us up, brush us off, take our hands, and continue leading us on the path You have called us to. You are awesome, Lord! Thank you that even when we detour off of life's journey, you put enough obstacles in our path to bring us back to the 'main road'. Thank you that NOTHING can separate us from Your love and that You know EXACTLY where we are at every single moment. Continue to lead me, guide me, love me, and build me... In Jesus' precious name, Amen~