Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The LORD has made everything for its purpose. (Proverbs 16:3-4 ESV).
When my husband and I decided to build a turn-of-the-twentieth-century farmhouse on family land, searching for the old and neglected became our daily routine. Old doors with multiple layers of paint, antique washstands, and 1920s sinks caught our eye. We saw the potential and imagined what they could be. Dozens of tarnished century-old doorknobs, hinges, and escutcheons required hours upon hours of scrubbing with steel wool. Pulled from their home in rusty buckets, they were renewed and given new life according to their design. These and other items reinforced our farmhouse motto, Redeem…Restore…Repurpose.
One day, I mentioned to Stan the need for hooks in the guest bathroom. He looked thoughtful for a moment then left to rummage in the barn. He found a discarded hutch top, disassembled it, trimmed off what was no longer needed, and realigned the remaining pieces. The result was a stunning wall piece, complete with antique hooks. Not only did Stan make the piece visually pleasing, but he caused it to become good and useful, placing it back into service.
Just as we chose items to repurpose, God chooses us, not for what we are but for what we will be. He is the Master Builder and when we place ourselves in His hands, we flourish within His design. He rescues us from an unfruitful life, redeems and transforms us. We are made new and perfect for His glory.
The process of God remaking us for God’s service is described by Paul in Romans 12:2 as the renewing of our mind. This work is accomplished by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as He conforms us to His Word. Proverbs 16:3-4 tells us to commit ourselves to the Lord and our plans will be established. Our mind, this most excellent and important part of us, is gradually renewed as we take in and consider the Scriptures. The simple practice of reading, meditation, and prayer renders us useful for our new task, whether it’s service or teaching or encouraging others.
God promises to lift us out of our old way of life, out of that rusty bucket, and change us into something beautiful. The end result is we will be perfectly suited for our new purpose, for our new way of living in Christ Jesus.
Cheryl
Prior to writing full-time, Cheryl Schuermann devoted her professional career to literacy education, consulting, and staff development training. In May 2024, she welcomed her debut devotional, Farmhouse Devotions: God’s Glory in the Ordinary, from Bold Vision Books.
Cheryl is a Word Weavers International president and member of AWSA and CAN/CIPA. Her current works-in-progress include a book series for grandparents, co-authored with her husband, Stan, and a farm-inspired devotional for children. Four sons and their families, including thirteen grandchildren, provide built-in inspiration for her many stories. The Farm is Cheryl’s favorite place to write, play, and enjoy family and friends.
Learn more about Cheryl on her website and social media. Follow the links:
https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.w.schuermann/
https://www.facebook.com/cherylschuermannauthor/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-schuermann-12038a37/
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