Ex 20:25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

This verse reminded me that it is not our job to manipulate, control, or change what God gives us to work with in life, or for that matter, WHO God gives us to work with. God is the master builder. if He wants to use odd shaped and sized stones, it is His call. And really, I’m glad He does choose to use odd shapes and sizes!

Here’s another verse: 1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

So, we are stones. Some are more odd shaped than others, but it’s not our job to change the stones (that’s His job). We do,  however, have to make them fit in. Which could take us into talking about including others, but that’s another devotional. For now, don’t try to change others…let God do that.

Every week I drive by the home of a man who is building a wall with field stone. I really appreciate his patience in working with the stone. He tries each one to find their place in his wall. The finished product looks great, even if the individual stones are irregular.

Proverbs 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Ok, so I have a problem. The first step is admitting it right? My problem is I think I have it all figured out! And if I don’t have it all figured out, given enough time, resources, and chances, I can get it right…right? Wrong…so wrong…

Self confidence is good, so far as it goes. It’s good to be confident enough to match my own clothing, make myself a sandwich or start up a conversation with a total stranger. But when self-confidence becomes self delusion we are in for a pack of trouble. God said to trust in Him more than in ourselves. Why? Well, we can’t trust ourselves. The prophet Jeremiah said in 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

So if I can’t trust my own heart, I have to trust God.

Matthew Henry, a Bible Teacher from days gone by said, “God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events and reserved for himself the knowledge of them, that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself and a continued readiness for every event.”

So, I have to rely, rest, and lean upon the all knowing God of the universe to handle my issues. That’s like asking Superman if he can relocate an ant. Yes, God can do it. Trust Him.

Northside Baptist is not just a church, it is a group of real people like you and me who gather to worship our Creator and encourage one another. We live out our theme of “Here to Serve” in charitable and community efforts. We study the Bible, practice what we learn, and in the process grow together. May God richly bless you!