April 6 The Charred Desk Read: Ezekiel 37:1-14 My father was a skilled carpenter. During the last years of his life, he worked in historical restoration. I remember an older woman bringing my father a desk that, to me, looked worthless. She explained through tears how it had been damaged in a fire. She shared how long it had been in her family and how much it meant to her. Weeks passed. My father spent each night in his shop working on that charred desk. It seemed a lost cause to me. But I remember the day the woman came back for it—she was thrilled with the restoration that I had thought impossible. As a pastor I am often called to help bring some restoration to fragile and damaged lives. Many times I have wished for just a simple piece of burned wood needing repair. In meeting and praying with hurting individuals, families, congregations, and communities, I have seen and experienced the Master Carpenter. I have seen God bring new hope, new life, healing, and restoration into my own life and into the lives of others. I have not seen restoration in every situation, but I have seen enough to know that it does happen and that we must never lose faith or hope. We must never underestimate God’s power and grace. Prayer: For the many times, Lord, that you have restored and healed me, I give you thanks. Right now I lift up to you ______________ (name of a person) who needs your healing touch, and trust you to bring that wholeness in your own time and way. Amen. ~Bass Mitchell Catharpin, VA Miss Pam
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:22:04 +0000