The Evolution of a Jacket

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God         

prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

 

Once upon a time, I bought a black velveteen shirt-dress. When it went out of style, I almost got rid of it. Then I realized it still had possibilities.

Firing up my sewing machine, I made the dress into a long, loose jacket. I was able to use my “new” jacket until fickle fashion changed again.

Long jackets were out. Short, fitted jackets were in. So, once more, my jacket went under the needle of my machine.

As I was sewing, I realized how useful the garment had been. It’d been serving me for years in one form or another. I’d been able to use it because of its adaptability.

Suddenly, I was struck by a spiritual comparison: God is continually at work refashioning us. The more we adapt to His directions, the more He can use us in His service.

However, He has given us the freedom to refuse to serve. 

If my shirt-dress had been able to refuse any of my makeovers, its usefulness would have been over. I would have folded it up and pushed it to the back of the shelf to gather dust.

Sometimes I don’t want to change. I may be quite comfortable with the current pattern of my life. However, if I resist change, it’s possible God won’t be able to use me. I don’t want that to happen.

I don’t want to wind up on a shelf gathering dust.

Father, I rejoice in Your changing purpose for my life.

Carol