“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
Hebrews 12:11 KJV
Someone was sharing with me the actions of someone else that rubbed them the wrong way. As I listened to the story it reminded me of sandpaper. I have difficulty even in the natural handling sandpaper due to its abrasive nature. Sandpaper in the spiritual can be just as or more uncomfortable. I explained to this sweet soul that generally hurting people hurt people. Secondly, it is important realize that God brings some of those people into our life to help smooth out our rough edges.
As I discussed the issue of “sandpaper” people with my husband he shared a bit of knowledge. One reason people sand things down is to get rid of the rough edges, but I did not know that another reason people sand something is to build on smooth edges. If you want to re paint something you must first sand off the original paint, even if it was flawless, in order to create an adhesive area.
No matter the reason, when we are being rubbed the wrong way, it hurts. But I love that God in his infinite wisdom can and does use those moments of discomfort to make us more like Him.
The reason he was born and ultimately died was to seek and save that which was lost. In order to complete that mission he needs us, his hands and feet. As humans we are hopelessly flawed, but we have a redeemer who is hopelessly invested in creating masterpieces of us all.
Lord, help me learn from everyone today. Whatever situation or action “rubs” me the wrong way, let me see your hand in it and allow that sandpaper to shape me into something more like you.
That Could Preach 