Shape Me

Dearly Beloved,

This short little poem, written by one of my friends, reverberates deeply within me and reminds us all that the process, though painful, is necessary in order to be used by God… 

Shape Me

even concrete has a time of unsettling uncertainty

but after time it settles and knows what it is

when can my thoughts settle?

when will my ways solidify?

I know I can’t be molded after I become concrete

but what if

I don’t want to?

concrete settles so nicely

but you shape me so painfully

-Nate Fleming

I don’t know about you, but I currently find myself going through that molding. More often than not, I find myself loathing, rejecting the process. It’s uncomfortable. It pulls you. Stretches you. It demands of you to go where you’ve never gone before. It demands discipline, love, patience, and forgiveness. 

But…

It’s necessary. 

In order to be used by… wait. Scratch that.

In order to even begin to scratch the surface of who He is and be more like Him, pain and suffering is required. Discomfort is necessary. Gold does not get to its valued state without first going through the fire. An athlete does not win a game without first going through rigorous and arduous training. In order to win, they must train- train hard and well. Sacrifices must be made in order to get to that place in which they are even qualified to enter the game.

Submission to the coach is required… which indicates one other aspect. It is not for us to take it upon ourselves to worry about getting to that place… that is for Him to worry about. He is the coach. The recruiting, coaching, and even the training belongs to Him. Instead, the attitude we must offer is one of surrender and embrace- giving it all to Him. Full reliance and trust on His grace and His ability to train us well is needed. Be thankful for the process. It’s hard but in the long run… it’s worth it. Jeremiah 18.

For His Glory,

-Pablo