Isaiah 61:3 – And provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (NIV)

Working with stained glass has many joys associated with it, but also pain. As I work cutting and clipping and shaping the pieces, tiny fragments, shards of glass, fly here, there, and everywhere. Sometimes, those miniscule bits end up in some very tender places. I thought that I had swept my table clean, but when I ran my hand lightly over it, ouch, an almost microscopic shard slid right into the pad of my thumb. Having the tweezers on hand, I went to work and thought that I had successful extracted the little demon, but alas! It was not to be. The more that I worked at it, the more that the shard splintered, working its way deeper and deeper. Finally, I had only two choices: cut off my thumb, or leave it and let those splinters work themselves out, which is what they finally did over a period of many, many weeks. Every time I would feel another one emerge to the surface, I would pick it out and think that it was finally done. Then, I would rub my thumb against something and ouch — pain would once again assault.

One day, however, the pain was totally gone. The shard which had splintered was no more.

Nevertheless, shards of glass are not the only thing which can cause me pain. There have been times in my life when the decisions or actions of others have been like shards of glass driven into the tender recesses of my heart. Even though I truly forgave those who brought about the painful experience, healing did not come automatically. Rather, in more than one instance, it took many years for the splinters of hurt, disappointment, rejection, injustice, and anger to work themselves out. Every time that I thought I was over it, a memory or happening would spark a renewed emotional ouch that would have to be prayerfully endured.

One day, however, the pain was totally gone. The shard which had splintered was no more.

Perhaps, you are going through just such an experience today. If so, be of good cheer. Hang in there. Don't give up. Healing does come bit by bit as we continue to persevere and trust in the goodness and love of God Who has promised to turn the ashes of our experience into beauty and strength, the burden of our mourning into gladness, and the pain of our despair into hope and praise, just as He has promised. God is not a god who breaks His word, which means, without doubt, that:

One day, the pain will be totally gone. The shard which had splintered will be no more.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your promises, which we can stand upon with the utmost confidence that they are true and will unfold in our lives as we continue to persevere and embrace the power of their authority. Bless each one today who is hurting and longing for Your healing touch. Uplift and encourage them to keep on keeping on, knowing that restoration is indeed coming their way. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
Send your feedback to the author