The Master Craftsman

Romans 8:27-28, “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

A woodcutter went out one day in search of a fine piece of wood to craft a special gift for the one he loved. He came upon a grove of trees. All were standing tall and each had a special purpose and design. After much thought and examination the woodcutter selected just the right tree for his project. As he touched the tree with his axe he had to stop and offer a special prayer to the tree for giving all its beauty and strength to him for this special gift. He thanked the creator for this special tree and all the love and care provided to develop the special design and purpose. As the tree fell the woodcutter vowed none would go to waste all would be used for this special gift.
As he worked removing the branches and bark revealing all the beauty beneath he marveled at how much this tree was like our lives. We each have been designed for a special purpose; crafted for a specific and special job. Only when the master creator touches us will our true beauty and strength be revealed.
As the woodcutter placed each section of rough-cut wood into the splitter did he notice how much alike are the trees and we. He thought how a life can be changed by what we put into it just like the beauty of the wood grain is exposed by the edge of the splitter. As each wedge was driven through the wood he saw how the wood fibers were divided. He saw how different the new pieces looked. He reasoned that life is like that wood. To expose the quality hidden beneath the rough exterior we must break the bark off. We do this by using the wedges of the love of God, love of family, education and those chosen to polish the diamond buried deep within.
Many times we use the wrong wedges that only damage and destroy. Just like a fine piece of wood if the incorrect wedge is used to expose the beauty then no beauty is shown and only ugly scars remain.

Just like cutting wood. You can look at the grain and you can tell the quality and strength and potential of the piece. Though you can see the potential and beauty in the wood none can come to formation without the master craftsman. The wood may be strong the potential great but left in the dirt nothing happens.

Life is like that. Each person has within strength and quality. Sometimes these traits are hidden deep under fear, prejudice and neglect. Yet the touch of the master’s hand can bring out the beauty that was placed there at creation.