Been to the zoo lately? (I know; some days you think you LIVE in one!) However you relate (nothing personal!), God's creativity never ceases to amaze me! I enjoy God's sense of humor, and delight to see the strange and wonderful creatures He has made! And then, wonder of wonders, He made US--we barely scratch the surface of the creativity He shares with us as mirrors of His own beloved image.
Well, I haven't been to the zoo lately--but I was down to the deep sea several years ago--working on a VBS writing assignment about "God's Deep Sea Treasures." I was in the belly of the big fish, on Paul's storm-tossed ship, walking on water with Peter (uh, not QUITE!), and having the time of my life, as I explored stories from the deep sea in God's Word.
Want to discover some REAL treasure in God's deep sea? Then climb out of the well, put on your wet suit, your diving helmet, your breathing gear--and follow me! We are off to learn some lessons in God's creative sea!
A Helping Word...or Two!
Tangled by the sea!...
Mussels--funny little shell creatures that operate an underwater string machine! The animal inside this shell spins silky string everywhere. It could very easily get tangled up in the string, and confuse itself out of existence. But no! The string becomes an anchor--the mussel will attach it to a stone, seaweed, or other shells. When the waves crash around it, it holds fast, and is safe.
Ever feel tangled in the sea of YOUR life? Be like the mussel! Let the tangles of life become anchors to hold you to the ROCK! When the waves begin to crash around you, the Rock will hold you fast. The Creator of the sea will take the messed-up maze, untangle it, and use it to bless others. For with Him, nothing is ever wasted!
"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me...(Psalms 6l:2,3 KJV)."
Torn by the Sea! ...
Starfish--beautiful, dangerous creatures of the sea! Ask the oysters, clams and mussels. For if a starfish wraps its five arms around you, you're a goner! Now, in the fight, it may lose one of those arms. But "no fear"--for the starfish just grows another one, and it's off again to search for its next delectable meal!
Ever feel torn by the sea? Be like the starfish! Don't give up--just grow another arm and keep goin'! For though circumstances may break you apart, and people cut you to shreds (it happens, and it hurts!), your Creator won't waste that hurt or sorrow. He will restore what the enemy tries to destroy, and then use YOU to bind up ANOTHER starfish that's hurting! That's how our creative God works! His healing Presence will soothe the tender spots of your life--and someone else's--if you will let Him! For with Him, nothing is ever wasted!
"He restoreth my soul... (Psalms 23:3 KJV)."
Tested by the Sea!...
Oyster--beautiful hidden treasure-holder of the sea! Minding its own business, opening and closing its shell to let in food and keep out danger! Then a tiny piece of sand sneaks in and gleefully tries to take over. It's not long until the oyster feels its irritating presence. But it's NOT over, because God has given this tiny creature the ability to manufacture "mother of pearl." It secretes its substance round and round that tiny piece of sand, and YOU know the result--in time, a LONG time, a lovely pearl of great beauty!...
Ever been irritated by sand in your life? Of course! Life is full of irritations--in the home, workplace, and yes, even church! Many times we handle the big problems with amazing grace; it's those little grains of sand that wipe us out. Little hurts, snubs, and grievances that irritate our sensitive souls. Tired of it all? Then give that sensitive nature to the Lord; let Him turn it into a sensitive spirit, ready to minister to the needs around you. The Creator of the sea would make you a beautiful pearl in His sight, for His use, and in HIS time! For with Him, nothing is ever wasted!
"He hath made everything beautiful in its time... (Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV)."
Tangled, torn, tested by the sea? The Creator Who made the creatures of the sea, with their delightful come-back ability, has made you too! He can and will untangle the threads, restore the broken, and turn the testings into treasures for His glory. His wonderful, creative power is admired in the deep sea; it can be acquired in YOUR sea this day! For God, the Creator of the sea, is the Creator of your life!
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