Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV)

I often take the bus to the other side of the city, and during the hour that it takes to get there and back, I notice some reconstruction taking place. On the roads and streets, there are excavators digging up water mains, machines tearing up pavement, and other machines re-paving. Houses in the residential districts are getting new roofs and new paved driveways. Skilled workers are doing repairs on bridges and buildings. The results are, at times, obvious; at other times, they are hidden.

Personally speaking, my old bones are in need of reconstruction, just as many others can say. It has come to be my call whether I would cope with the pain of a damaged shoulder or else prepare for reconstructive surgery. I am still waiting for my mind make itself up for me! In the meantime, days and months go by, even in denial, while I pray that the Lord would help me to make up my mind.

That brought to mind the business of the reconstruction of souls. There are two phases. First, something outside of our natural mind awakens us from denial to realize that our lives need a change. No matter how well everything might have looked, God alerts us that we are not seeing right. God invites us to "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6 NIV)

The second phase begins after we receive Jesus as our Saviour. God's Spirit works in us to make us willing to allow God's reconstruction to begin in our mortal beings. It takes tearing down the old "I" in us — that old self that is against God. Each day, giving up all that is me, I, and myself, is essential so that reconstruction can continue by God through the power of the Holy Spirit. God wants to conform us to the holy image of His Son, Jesus Christ. It's a life-long process called sanctification.

The heavenly host rejoices and delights in each soul that chooses reconstruction God's way! The Lord calls us to delight in Him and His blessings, and in turn, to be a blessing to those around us, because God's Spirit dwells within us.

At times, our attempts to bring about spiritual reconstruction may seem fruitless and without evidence of any change. God seems distant, and apparently, no growth is happening. That's when Jesus' words come clear: "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5b NIV). Our delight is in God with Whom everything is possible, and with Whom the reconstruction of a soul comes about. And these words become real: "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11 NIV)

Prayer: Our Father God in heaven, it is a delight to see Your Spirit working in the hearts of many who need spiritual reconstruction and to be filled with Your Spirit of love and harmony. Thank You, Father, in Jesus' name! Amen!

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About the author:

Kirsti Sipila <kirstiksipila@hotmail.com>
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
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