Change Comes in Time

This amazing photo was taken by my good friend and photographer, Ron Davidson.

I always loved walking along the edge of the creek when I was a kid. I would roll up my jeans and wade out toward the middle, stepping up on moss covered rocks. I liked hearing the water cascade down the mini waterfalls. Over time, those stones were smoothed by the water pouring over them. Slowly. Consistently. Rough edges are softened. Change comes in time.

I'm no different than the stones in the creek. I've had plenty of rough edges. I'm grateful that God rarely uses the sledgehammer to accomplish His work in us. He works over time, pouring over the surface of our spirits. Slowly. Consistently. Rough edges are softened. Change comes in time.

Just take a moment and reflect back on the journey you have taken so far.

Are you changed?
Are you reshaped by Him?
Change comes in time.

This process of smoothing never ends. Not until air leaves our lungs and we are no longer flesh in a war with spirit. We are being shaped. In the middle of the creek. Through every rain storm and every sunny day, God is using all things to bring about the change in us.

When I look back and really take inventory of the work I have ALLOWED Him to accomplish in me... I am grateful.
When I look ahead and really take inventory of the work that STILL needs to be accomplished in me... I am calling out for His Spirit to pour over me and shape me for HIS GOOD PURPOSE. Who knows.. maybe I can be a smooth stone that God picks up to hurl at a giant!

1 Samuel 17:39-41
39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. 48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground. 50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone...