God, why do most good things take so much time to grow and build, when evil can come in and deface or destroy them, often so quickly?
- One building takes so many people to design and construct it. It’s devastating to see cities destroyed by war or natural disasters.
- Relationships, marriages, and friendships take years of commitment and time together for trust to be built, and can be destroyed in one moment of weakness.
- A life can be taken away or completely changed in an instant.
- Careers and communities can be torn down by public criticism and lies.
I think it comes down to the truth that this world is not heaven. It is not our home, and we have an enemy in this world. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
Beauty awakens our souls to life. God works through beauty to speak to us, to draw us closer to Him, to fill us with joy and peace. Of course the enemy would want to deface or destroy good and beautiful things.
So is the point of building and growing for us to get to the end result, the beautiful object itself? Or is it the process that’s the point…the process of building and growing over time?
I believe that the long process must be necessary for a rich and satisfying life. Fullness and abundance of life. Maybe holding on a little looser to what does not last for eternity.
Let’s ask God to grow and build in our lives the way He desires, the projects He wants us to undertake. We need courage for this! We need His strength and patient endurance, because it’s not going to be easy. We can trust Him to give us all we need if what we’re doing is part of His plan.
Father God, you are never shaken in the face of destruction. I praise you for the beauty you can create from nothing. Thank you for having a bigger plan than I understand. Please give me the courage to create good things with you, to trust the long process, and to look to you when I am discouraged. All glory to you God, the true Creator, who is more powerful than the evil one. May I live with eyes for eternity. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone.” Galatians 6:9
My Heart, My Home 