Fixing Our Benches

We rely on things; sometimes, too much. Who do you rely on taking a minute and thinking? It’s common for people to become overwhelmed by the expectations of others and forget who they are. We place things above or compare one another to earthly examples of perfection. When we trust the things of this world, do we notice the planks of our benches disappearing? Weathering leaves its mark on many aspects of this world. They become worn and need attention to revitalize. While earthly things are in disarray, putting our faith in them will be difficult. As these planks wear and break, often removed, they can leave our seat of confidence feeling less than sturdy.

Life’s unpredictable nature reminds us to be prepared, as things can change. What makes us place such a firm belief in words and people? Despite their positive qualities, people are imperfect and need mending. We’re not wrong to place our trust in others. We need to strive to develop relationships that will fulfill and be rewarding. Trusting only in worldly things is often useless, because reliance on them is futile. Just be mindful that people have seasons of planting, seasons of growth, and seasons of harvest. Their seasons are ever changing. While Christ is constant, we can rely on Him.

To rely on something depends on the amount of trust and confidence it inspires. Where are you putting your faith?

Now I believe people in our lives earn value in relationship. So, we trust and share our confidence in and with them. However, they too are from this world and experiencing disintegration. Love motivates many to seek a unique existence. They are trying to figure things out. We are all a work in progress. Cultivating Christ-centered relationships, dependent on Him, is the core want we should seek from each other.

We’re from this world and in a constant state of weathering occurs. We must seek the repair we need. As soon as we think we no longer need to support or repair our Christ-centered lives, we break and will stay this way until we set our sights on God’s polishing.

What happens when we don’t apply polish? Well, my experience was that we get covered in dust. If it’s dusty, we can brush it away. What happens when that dust builds up and becomes thick, greasy, even tarnished? These cases need me to put in extra effort to achieve the desired outcome.

We can’t let our dirt become so overwhelming that we lose sight of the shine. In doing that, we risk losing what defines us. We can always see our glow again if we rely on His polish, for His polish is perfect. It finds the shine in us, no matter how filthy we have allowed ourselves to become.

I viewed a video piece by Francis Chan. (I will attach it to this hub.) He addressed that our lives and relationships are for the glory of God. While we claim to understand and express this, do we grasp the meaning?

I will encourage extra readings?

Well, I want you to read them as written. If I gave you a short version, you may not take the time to sit in the quiet, find peace, and read them?

I want to emphasize that studying God’s word is a humbling experience. This is a time for solitude, a chance to be alone with your thoughts. His teachings settle there in your thinking cap and plant themselves for later retrieval. They are His words to you. Your connection remains unbreakable if your focus stays strong. Invest time, and you’ll witness those seeds blossom within your relationships.

You see further, and your ambition is insatiable. If you go to the Bible, He will speak to you. No one will be there to intervene in their impressions or understanding. If you seek, you shall find.

I’ve included readings here for you to review. Notice how things change when you spend time with them? What can it hurt? Is it just reading, right? Or is it?

What if it’s greater than you expected? What happens if you have a different perspective than others? Use your eyes to see and your ears to hear. Then you can speak with His convicting word. How fantastic to share what you learn and read with others in your own special way? If you connect with Him, He will shape your future. Your relationship with Him is special to Him, and he will hear you and speak to you as you grow in His word. God talks to each of us in His unique way, speaking so you can listen to Him and understand, even without knowing. God makes our path straight, so what’s the harm in trying a few readings?

Isaiah 26:4

Ephesians 2:8-9

2Peter 1:3

Why would I suggest extra readings?

It means we are to rely on Christ alone. When we are doing this, all our relationships, including our one with Him, made better. It is by faith and attention to His word that all other things will repair and made new.

Together, when we are working on Christ-Centered faith-filled relationships, it puts all other things of this world in perspective. We will falter on repairs, and we will need the Carpenter of all carpenters to fix our benches, but He and He alone will lift us.

I remember when my dear husband was putting a crib together for our first-born. I noticed some extra nuts and bolts left over when the task was complete.

I said, “Do we need those to be in the crib?” He said, “No worries, they always give you extras.” I trusted him, and I was so proud of his confidence in his work. Our crib was sturdy and never failed to hold our baby secure. Remember, your benches and your cradle are in God’s hands. Even when you break down, he has extra supplies. He is holding onto you and tending to you. Rely on Him.