Beautiful, broken shells
Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-11
Author: Amy B. Trent (California, US)
Author: Amy B. Trent (California, US)
Saturday 20 April 2024 © The Upper Room.
When I dig a seashell out of the sand I first turn it one way and then the other to see its condition. Does it have chips or cracks, or is it whole and complete? I am looking for a perfect shell – not a broken one. Often, we are content only with the perfect, the unblemished, the new.
That is not the way with God, who understands the broken, the imperfect and the damaged – and seeks us. The scripture for today shows us that we humans are like the imperfect shell. We journey through an ocean filled with rocks and reefs and storms, and none of us makes it to the shore without scars of suffering and endurance.
At times, we may feel disappointed or ashamed at our brokenness. But in our suffering we are being made strong. And that strength will develop a character that clings to hope. Our hope is not in circum- stances, people or even ourselves, but in our powerful and loving God who will never let us be crushed or lost in the storm. God can transform our stories of suffering into a beautiful strength of character that pro- duces hope which will never disappoint.
Prayer: Dear God, give us strength to withstand the storms we encounter. Help us to cling to you in hope. Amen
