[One Man's Trash...]

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We have probably all heard it more times than we would like to admit, but let’s be honest, how true is it?

My husband and I own a construction company- for those of you who didn’t know that- and a generous portion of our work consist of storm damage restoration. The other day I received a phone call from my husband saying, “babe are you busy?”. Of course he already knew I was and honestly I didn’t have a second to spare to do anything extra, but when he followed it up with “everything in this house is going to get put into the dumpster if you don’t come load it up.”. I set aside piles of paperwork and ignored my to-do list to head his way. On the way there, I started to second guess my decision as the thought crossed my mind that there probably wasn’t much left worth even keeping. However, the first thought was followed by another- if there is even ONE item left over, without damage from the tornado, then it would be worth going. I was sure that somebody could benefit from it. When we arrived the sight of the house didn't leave much hope of finding anything, but I was determined to venture in anyway.

As I was walking through the house assessing the damage to see what was left, my mind was racing. Everywhere I turned there was "stuff" worth keeping, items of much value. I began trying to place things in the hands of those who I knew could benefit from them. Thousands, and yes I mean THOUSANDS, of dollars worth of stuff left behind. We found products brand new-never opened, items that were barely used, and even things that appeared to be destroyed but just needed cleaned or put back together. How? How do we get to the point where we throw our hands up and leave behind things that once held value in our lives. I mean, at one point all of this "stuff" had to be of some importance to them or they wouldn't have purchased it in the first place right? When do our possessions lose the very value they once held?

While I was having a hard time processing the whole situation, The lord revealed to me that this is what we do in the spirit too often. When we first get saved - we have a unexplained joy, a new look, a fresh glow. We long to serve others and tell everyone we know about Jesus and how He has changed our lives!! But then, life continues on and we get comfortable in our walk, we become callused to the things of God, and all the annoyances cause our focus to be on people instead of on Jesus! We all have great gifts and callings that if not used, over time become stored away in “cabinets” of our hearts and we neglect to utilize them. We leave behind treasures from God (dreams, goals, talents) that we once pursued. Guess what my friend? They are all still boxed away waiting for us to resurrect the value they have always held! God is a God of completion. He says that He is faithful to finish the work that He started in us! We must not lose sight of the things God has called us to do and the gifts He has placed in our lives.

(“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6 ESV). 

When we pulled out with vehicles full of useful things I thought, wow, what a blessing this will be for the people on the receiving end. I felt myself become frustrated about the fact that these people just left so many valuable items to be thrown away. However, at the same time I was very thankful that God used it for good! So many lives were blessed by us digging through the “trash” to find all the “treasure”! Isn’t this just how God works! He turns bad into good and makes beauty out of our ashes! Friend, the truth is, God will use any other willing vessel to do the very thing He has called you to do if you choose not to.

God help us return to our first love- may we not forget the pit that You brought us out of and how our lives have been forever changed for the better! Let us dig into the deep and hidden compartments of our hearts and wipe the dust off. Lord, use us again before our “trash” becomes someone else’s treasure. 

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In His Grip,

Sarah Abernathy