A Gifted Masterpiece
Written by Dawn Okrasinski
Years ago, following a devastating tragedy in my family, a stranger suggested that I should pray to God and ask him to help me comprehend the gifts in our misfortune. I was initially taken aback by this idea. At that moment, I could find nothing positive about the circumstances dictating our lives. I recognized no blessing in the daily pain I drug around with me wherever I went. But I took it under consideration.
During morning meditation, I came upon a passage in Isaiah that resonated deeply within me. Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV) But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You, our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. I wondered how the Spirit would quench the spiritual desert I wandered for God’s glory, but having been guided, I prayed in faith. A potter requires steady skill and a pliable medium to throw a sound and reliable pot. God shapes us the same way, carefully applying pressure to smooth out the rough edges and dipping us into the experiential fire from time to time to bring us to resilient perfection. Whether life events are easy and loving or filled with tribulation and sin, each experience has a reason for influencing our journey. Each event molds God’s vessels for a specific reason. Psalm 138: 7-8 (ESV)Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me; Your steadfast love endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
As I overcame my sorrow, I took inspiration from Victor Frankl, who had survived Auschwitz. Praying unceasingly and continuing to ponder the divine reasons for the chaos in which he lived, he strove to find meaning in his suffering, turning his spiritual discoveries into God-led purpose. He offered the theory that the more we forget ourselves and focus on gratitude and loving others, we rise above our suffering, leading to spiritual healing and glorifying God in our usefulness. I began to do just that, and in the process, my life became richer, blessed, and purposeful. I had exchanged my fear and anger, for gratitude and peace. I had found my gifts.
Sharing our faith journey offers others hope, strength, and healing through Jesus. Recently I discovered I had been blessed with Spiritual Gifts too. I have learned that I am an Exhorter, Mercy-Giver, and Shepherd molded for the purpose God had designed for me. These practices are my identity in Christ, and God places precisely the right person in my path to offer his manifold grace. Looking back, I would not change one life experience. Looking forward, I celebrate the masterpiece he has made.
Call to Action
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
1 Peter 4:12 (NKJV) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you, but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings that when his glory is revealed, you may also be glad about exceeding joy.
Reflections
1. What would you say if someone told you there are blessings to be found in challenging experiences? Have you had this happen? How did it change you and your relationship with Jesus?
2. Prayerfully consider how your experiences could help others and share your testimony with someone.
3. Consider an experience that brought you trials. How might you find meaning and purpose in that experience to serve others?
4. Meditate quietly on the exquisite masterpiece that God has made you.
