I'll Fix It Myself

I have a son who loves fixing and creating things. He specializes in taking things apart and sometimes putting them back together! This son loves exploring and adventuring outdoors and he thrives in his Trail Life activities. This son also collects knives. I've lost count of how many he actually has, but if I need a package opened, he's usually prepared with a variety to choose from in his pockets!

A few months ago, I was being a nice mom and making his bed, which is usually a job I leave to him. As I put on the fitted sheet, I stopped and stared. What on earth?

Sure enough, a clean slit through his sheet with one of those darn knives! In a panic, I checked the status of the mattress and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that it was safely untouched. I went back to inspecting the sheet and could hardly be angry. I mean, what 15-year-old boy would take the time to hand-stitch the slit back together?! I guess one who knew they better cover their tracks! Ha, well he fooled me for a couple of weeks! Then came confession time and he did, indeed, accidentally slit his sheet while cutting something with his knife on the bed. When he realized the damage, he decided to put his camping emergency kit to use and discover if he could recall his stitching skills!

Although a funny story, I've been reflecting on this scenario quite often. From the beginning of time, we humans have had a tendency to try and fix things ourselves. Yes, in a lot of life, this is a resourceful attribute. But what about spiritually? Adam and Eve's eyes were opened immediately after eating the forbidden fruit and how did they respond? They attempted to cover their physical and spiritual shame. They tried to fix the spiritual disconnect with a physical solution. They hid, sewed leaf coverings for themselves, and pointed blame in an effort to restore their relationship with their Creator. 

How often do I find myself in a pickle and then I desperately try to cover it up and fix my way out of the situation? How much time and energy do we waste trying to piece our lives back together on our own rather than bringing it to God and letting Him repair, restore, and redeem our messes?

Our pastors at Weaverland have been preaching through a new series entitled "The Lost Art of Waiting." I have been moved and challenged by these applicable teachings. I am reminded to stop running ahead to try and fix problems on my own. I must learn to trust and wait through the process. A point Pastor Al made was, "Rather than striving anxiously, the everlasting God invites us to wait in hope on Him, for the best that is yet to come." (based on Isaiah 40:28-31, Psalm 84:5-7, and Isaiah 53:10-12.) What would happen if we forgo our anxious measures to fix things on our own and instead hope, trust, and look expectantly towards the Lord to fix it in His way and in His timing? 

What are the heavy things you are carrying today? Are you trying to fix a wayward child? Or perhaps you are putting endless effort into fixing financial struggles. Maybe a loved one is sick and you are striving in your own strength to bring healing. Is your marriage struggling and you are attempting to piece it back together? Maybe sin is eating away at your life and you keep trying to hide your struggles. The only way we're going to find peace and victory in any of life's hard moments is to come fully surrendered to the Lord. He is our mighty Physician "who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3.

My devotions this morning quoted: "Struggles help remove the fluff of our faith to make it firm." How true that in some of the hardest, darkest moments of life, God feels the closest and our faith becomes the strongest. Are you hanging by a thread and desperate for God's presence in your life? Are you running out of hope; do you need a miracle? This song is a powerful reminder that God alone can redeem the wreckage and restore peace!

My son temporarily sewed his sheet back together, but after a few washes, it's beginning to fray and come apart. But, very soon he is going to get a fresh, new, untarnished sheet with no rips, slits or holes! God, in His mercy and grace, wants to bestow fresh, new, and untarnished blessings upon you! He desires to make you whole with His peace! Will you let Him?

Lord, in this self-sufficient world, it's tempting to take control of my life and be fixer of all my problems. Forgive me for my tendency to do things my way rather than seeking and trusting You. Psalms 147:3 says, "The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." That's what I choose today: I surrender to You, I trust You, and my hope is in You alone. I want Your love and peace to wash me anew, making me whole and complete!