Chaos
The Back of the Tapestry
I was thinking about that the other day as I reflected on some of the situations in my life. My view, from the back, doesn’t always look that great. It seems like a tangled and confusing mess. I don’t always understand why things happen as they do or see how they could possibly have a purpose.
But still, I trust Him, for I know His word is true. He has proven it over and over.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28
But, that’s when we need to run to Him all the more quickly. We need to remember that He has chosen us and has a good plan for our lives. He has even given us a royal inheritance. When our life gets messy, when tangled strings abound, we need to depend on the fact that that is where God is working – on the back of the tapestry. He’s stitching everything together perfectly to create a beautiful design. I know He’s there, right in the middle of all the chaos and confusion, tying up loose ends, connecting the events and weaving it all together with the incredible skill of the Master Tapestrier. I know when the tapestry is flipped over, either in this life or the next, His masterpiece will be revealed. In His perfect timing He will open our eyes and His answers to our prayers will be beautifully understood.
In His grip,
“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” Ephesians 1:11
21 Comments
Oh my. I just love, love, LOVE this! Not only does it encourage me to embrace my messy pieces as God continues to create something beautiful with my life, but it also makes me want to go buy a small tapestry as a reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis is just great, Joan. Thank you.
I'm so glad you were encouraged, Sharita! I just actually thought of this for the first time a couple of days ago. As I was thinking about my daughter and trusting God for His plan, the picture of a tapestry flashed in my mind! It encouraged me as well!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Hello Joan, I had a lesson on this many years ago, My Mother took me to a friends house and she told me that this friend did weaving. She took me into her craft room and to my shock I was seeing how the whole process was done. Well all I could see was the back side of it. So unless your sitting the chaie weaving you are the only one who can see the beauty that is being weaved!
ReplyDeleteThanks this was powerful! Roxy Hugs...
Yes, the Master Weaver is making a thing of beauty out of the tangled, snarled mess of my life. He is creating the picture that's been in His mind since before I was born. Someday, I'll be able to look at the finished product and know, "OH! That's what You were doing!" In the meantime, trust enables me to rely on His weaving, though I cannot see the end.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!
I've always liked the analogy of the tapestry, Joan. It has always spoken to me personally. Corrie Ten Boom said, “Only heaven will reveal the top side of God’s tapestry.” Loved what you shared here! Blessings.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome to have the privilege to see a tapestry woven! It really is quite a skill, isn't it? So intricate and beautiful...from the front! I'm so glad that God sees both sides of the picture...the messy and the beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Yes, right now we trust. And that hope keeps us going, doesn't it? It is amazing to me that God has seen right from the beginning how this whole tangled mess is actually being put together to form something beautiful. His plan is so much more wonderful than any we can even imagine!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Yes, from heaven's vantage point, all will make sense and all our questions will be answered. God's view is perfect and all He does is for the benefit of those who love Him. He is able to do oh so much more than we can even dream...
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
I loved this Joan. I am actually working on a post trying to reflect on how God turns the messy into something beautiful. I'm not sure how it will come out at this point but reading your words was a confirmation to not give up on the message God has given me to share. It's marinating though. lol. It's my new word . . . marinate. :) Much love to you, friend. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI like that word, too, Beth! Marinating always brings the full flavor out! It is amazing how God turns the messy into something wonderful, isn't it? No matter how ugly or tangled something is, God will always make something beautiful from it!
ReplyDeleteLove you, Beth! Joan
I totally agree, Joan. Underneath, we are so messed up and nothing makes sense! The only beauty we can find in anything about ourselves is in Christ alone! Sometimes I tend to forget that...how many times have I only looked at the back side of things...I'm constantly having to turn that tapestry over to real His truth again and again. The last sentence of your post is one I especially find myself struggling with...yet I know it is TRUE!! Blessings, friend!
ReplyDeleteHi Ann! He makes everything beautiful in His time (Ecc. 3:11)...even us! I am so thankful the the shaping hand He has on me and on my life! I think we all struggle periodically with fully leaning into what we know is true, but God is patient. He'll keep teaching, shaping, revealing and increasing our faith in the process!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Love this! We do look at the messy side and forget that He is at work turning it all to beauty for our good and His glory! Thanks so much for linking at the party today! Enjoy a blessing-filled weekend dear friend!
ReplyDeleteI've decided to ignore the messy side now! LOL I'm going to focus on God and trusting that He is working on something beautiful! Blessings, Joan
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that Romans 8:28 is in the Bible. It comforts me so much! :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful weekend, Joan. xo
God's word always is so encouraging! He knows just what we need! Blessings, Joan
ReplyDeleteThere is joy in knowing that we are God's masterpiece being worked on lovingly by God and His plan for us. Your verse from Romans is a perfect depiction of how God works in our lives to create that masterpiece He envisioned us to be. Blessed you joined The Weekend Brew
ReplyDeleteThat does bring joy! Even in the midst of chaos, just knowing that God is working on something beautiful that is beyond what we see in that moment, lightens my heart!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
As we are each 'being woven' God knows just what the front will look like yet that back seems to be our perspective so much of the time. I love how He is working this tapestry out to be that perfect one, each one, in His perfect time. Praising the Lord.
ReplyDeleteCaring through Christ, ~ linda
Hi Linda! I don't always see things from God's perspective, but when I can, it is such a blessing...and for the other times, I am trusting Him knowing that He is working for the best interest of those who love Him!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Amen.
ReplyDeleteJoin the conversation! (Be sure to add your first name so I know who I'm talking to!)