This week we've discovered during difficult times in our lives God promises to be our strength, provide perseverance and hope. But, sometimes difficult circumstances produce irrevocable consequences. What about the pain and heartache that results from the consequences of our mistakes?
I offer this story by an unknown author as an encouragement.
There was a young lad who served in the workshop of a great Italian artist. It was his duty to sweep the floor and straighten the rooms at the end of the day. He did his work faithfully and well, requiring little attention from his master.
One day he approached the great artist timidly, "Please, sir, would it be all right if I saved for myself the bits of broken glass you throw on the floor?"
"Do as you please---they are of no use to me."
Days grew into years. The lad faithfully carried out his tasks. Daily he sifted through the discarded bits of glass. Some he would set aside, others he would throw out.
One day the master entered a little used storeroom and quite by chance came across a carefully hidden piece of work. Bringing it to the light, he was dazzled by the brilliance of a noble work of art. "What is the meaning of this?" he wondered aloud. He called his servant to him.
"What great artist has hidden his masterpiece here?"
"Master," responded the astonished young man, "it is just my poor work. Don't you remember--you said I could have for myself the glass you threw to the floor. These are but the broken pieces.
God can take the broken pieces of our lives and create a masterpiece. We can not avoid the consequences of what we do, but when we humbly submit to Him our mistakes, He'll use them to complete His ultimate design.