Turning a Mess Into
a MESSage
By Karen D’Amore
“In bringing many
sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of
their salvation perfect through suffering.”
Hebrews
2:10 (NIV)
Their
life emulated that of a stereotypical American family, a life admired and
possibly envied. Living comfortably in a lovely “white-picket fenced” home, the
husband’s lucrative job provided well for the family. The wife was a loved and
well-respected ministry leader in a local church. Two of their daughters were
preparing for their first and third years of college. Their third daughter, a
recent college graduate, was weeks away from getting married. They were living
the DREAM!
The
husband’s sudden job loss was a shock to the family. Staring uncertainty in the
face, my friend wrestled through her personal angst, encouraging and supporting
her husband. Her highly visible ministry position meant walking through this
difficult time with multitudes of spectators. And with front row seats to the
“testing of her faith,” many could be impacted by her story.
Called
to speak at a church luncheon, she was challenged by the “worship” theme to
identify object(s) of personal worship. Illuminating personal truths, God drew
her to recognize misdirected worship, or “worth-ship” (as she described it),
being placed on her husband’s bank account. Spring-boarding from a platform of
adversity - - and its inherent refining lessons - - she delivered an
emotionally raw message. Concluding with Psalm
95:6-7a…“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the
Lord our Maker; for He is our God…” (NIV)…she tearfully dropped to her knees.
Overcome
with emotion, I was touched by my friend’s powerful, transparent message.
Evoked from the introspective stir of her mess…were humbling and convicting
revelations! In response to her personal convictions, women were spurred to
re-evaluate their own object(s) of worship.
For
twelve months, through her messy circumstances, I witnessed my friend’s
deepened worship and trust in God. Now, in view of my own husband’s recent joblessness,
I too am walking in my friend’s shoes, resonating deeply with her “mess.” But
more importantly, I’m finding hope and encouragement in my friend’s MESSage,
moving me to peacefully bow down in worship and kneel before my Maker.
Scripture
warns of the troubles we’ll face in this world. Joblessness, illness, death of
loved ones, relational conflicts…just a few of the troublesome “messes” we may
experience. As Christ-followers, those
“messes” can make us bitter…or they can make us better. If we allow God to
infiltrate our messy circumstances, working out His plan…He will surely be
glorified. Desiring that nothing go to waste, God resolves to redeem everything
for His good purposes - - turning our trials into triumphs - - our tests into
testimonies…and our messes in MESSages!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a God-redeemable message in your
mess?
FURTHER READING:
Married
to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at
Craig Berns Salon. She’s on Oakwood
Women’s Special Events Team.
