Under Construction
"As you know, we consider blessed those who have
persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have
seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full
of compassion and mercy." - James 5:11
Glenn Olds was born in Sherwood, Oregon, in 1921 and was a
"magna cum laude" graduate of Williamette University in
Salem, Oregon. He received his bachelor of divinity degree
from Garrett Theological Seminary and his Master of Arts
degree in philosophy from Northwestern University. In 1948
he received his Ph.D. from Yale University and was appointed
a member of the DePauw University faculty. He is the former
President of Kent State University.
Dr. Olds recalled the sight of Mt. Rushmore as he hitch-hiked cross-country in 1941 during his junior year at Garrett. From 10 miles back, he recognized Washington and Lincoln. But in the middle was a figure that looked like Adolf Hitler.
Once close, instead of hair combed over a forehead, the
young man saw guy wires, instead of a moustache, he saw
scaffolding. The image stuck, and he made a note in his
journal. "What was Adolf Hitler at 10 miles away was Thomas
Jefferson under construction," he said. The experience
became a parable: "Almost every major problem at a distance
looks bad. When you get up close, you can see it's something
terribly important under construction."
We are all under construction, becoming more like Christ.
Through the pain of this world, the Lord is constructing
something beautiful of our lives. Today in prayer, praise
Christ for any difficult circumstances you find yourself in
and thank Him that you are under His construction.
"Pain only is a tragedy when we are looking at it from our
temporary circumstances. Suffering is not intended to singe
my soul, but to refine me into a vessel of immeasurable
value. I am only burned when I am taking control. When I am
trusting Christ, then He shapes me and my trouble becomes a
trophy of God's grace." - Eddie Snipes
God's Word: "After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord
made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he
had before." - Job 42:10
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2004, Devotional E-Mail
DEVOTIONS IN JAMES
pkennedy@devotional.com