Damaged Goods?

Fox Run Regional Park, Black Forest, Colorado

Every other tree is straight except the oldest tree. This tree has experienced life and with this life comes character.  All the other trees are scrawny and straight, but not this old pine which probably gave birth to the other trees.

There is a story in this old pine. This old pine has weathered many a storm and its character shaped by those storms.

Day by day our character is shaped by the storms of life.

"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 New English Translation

Too often we ask the wrong question of Romans 8:28. This verse doesn't answer the question "why", but "what". When we ask God "why" it usually means we want to argue with him because we don't like what is happening in our lives.

The question "what" accepts the reality of the storms (doesn't mean we like them) and recognizes the fact that God shapes our character through these storms, and in shaping our character, God uses us to influence others. Seen through Jesus' cross we understand that God works through our storms.

So, you are not damaged goods but people who are shaped by God to make a impact in life.

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(Click on picture to enlarge.)

Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.