Shaped down here

Scripture for today: Jer. 18:6

During the Great Depression, a good man lost his job, savings, and home. Adding to his grief was the sudden death of his wife. His faith was all that remained and it was faltering.

One day, while going through the neighborhood looking for work, he stopped to watch some men doing the stonework on a church building.

One worker in particular skillfully chiseled a triangular piece of rock. Curious as to what the rock was for, he asked, "Where are you going to put that?" The worker pointed toward the top of the building and said, "See that little opening up near the spire? That's where it goes. I'm shaping it down here so it will fit in up there."

Eyes full of tears, the man walked away, understanding the symbolism behind the stonecutter’s words and finding fresh meaning to his difficult situation.

If it seems as though the enemy has been throwing lots of darts your way, consider that you’re being “shaped down here so you will fit in up there.” 

This devotion is based from Gaddis’ book “Manage Your Emotions.”