“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:13-16)
it was a worthless
piece of wood
thrown carelessly
in a pile of rubble
and destined for the fire
none would consider
that it could become
anything of value
but he
saw something different
carefully taking
the splintered wood
in his rugged hands
he set
to work his design
skillfully chiseling away
the rugged edges
and forging carved beauty
in the remains
the work of art began to take form
it was a labor of love
and he did not rest
until he was finished
and after relentless, meticulous toil
it was finally complete
he raised his masterpiece
toward heaven
tenderly admiring
the work of his hands
and whispered, “it is good”
breathing life upon his new creation
he is more than a carpenter
he is an artist
and a creator
transforming what is ordinary and useless
in the sight of the world
into something of infinite value
poetry by j.e. fernandez
Photo Credit: Carpentry Workshop | IQRemix | Flickr
The most influential, significant person in history lived the most humble life and died the most despised of deaths, giving not just hope…but LIFE, abundant and everlasting, for the world. For generations to come. In his eyes, you ARE significant. And in his hands, you FIND significance—not in pursuit of the world’s applause. But in living the life you were created to live, surrendering to sacrifice for those in your own sphere of influence, however small it may be.
Photo Credit: Light Storm Sunset at Rat Point | Valentines day with the mi… | Flickr
why the hunger and the thirst,
why the war and death and grief?
why the sickness with no cure
and the pain with no relief?
why the child without a home
and the outcast with no friend?
why the family without hope
and the suffering without end?
why the questions without answers
and the life that ends too soon?
what’s the purpose for this madness
God, dare i question you?
when will you enter in?
will you ever intervene?
can’t you simply lift your hand
to end this suffering?
and yet, you turn to me
a question for my ears…
do i not realize
i can answer my own prayers?
can i not lift my hands
to heal the hurt i see?
can i not enter in,
can i not intervene?
you suffered on the cross
and bore our every pain
then gave to us the work
told us go do the same
and i’m beginning now to see
that the answer lies with me
the things i’ve left undone
the pain that i’ve refused to see
the cries that i’ve ignored
the lives that i’ve betrayed
by turning from their eyes
choosing numbness over pain
how can i question God?
how can i complain?
i cast on him the blame
when it is i who bear the shame
poem copyright Jenna Fernandez
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
Photo Credit: Free photo: Fire Fighter, Rescue – Free Image on …
Our God is the lifter of heavy burdens and the comforter of all who mourn. He is able to sustain the weary, uphold the weak, and repair the broken, turning tears of sorrow into seeds of hope.
Source: The Painful Side of Mother’s Day
Photo Credit: Free stock photo: Rain, Garden, Sun, Nature – Free Image on …
This Life & Beyond 
You must be logged in to post a comment.