Moving into a larger house last month has meant finding furnishings to help fill it. Buying new stuff costs more money than I have or care to spend so I’ve visited thrift stores and garage sales.
This weekend I found a solid oak TV stand—a custom-built corner unit with a swivel on the top to position our television in whatever direction we desire. It even has storage space underneath. It’s a dandy. Best—it cost a pittance. It’ll serve its purpose perfectly in our family room.
I consider this item a treasure. The previous owner likely did not. He must have stored it in a basement or garage, and it showed. Dust and grime coated this poor piece, and spiders had spun their sticky webs in the drawers. I washed it inside and out with wood soap, and my oh my, the water in the bucket turned black.
We’ve given this oak unit a second chance. We bought it, cleaned it, and placed it where it can fulfill the purpose for which it was originally created. How similar to what Jesus has done for us!
- Christ bought us with His blood when He died on the cross. Satan, our former taskmaster, no longer owns us (1 Corinthians 6:20; Romans 8:2).
- Christ washes us, removes sin’s grime and stain, and leaves us whiter than snow on the inside when we confess our sins to Him (1 John 1:9).
- Christ calls and equips us to fulfill a specific purpose in His plan for the Church and the world (Romans 12:4,5; 2 Timothy 3:16,17).
Christ invested His life in us. You know what that says? He considers us a treasure. He highly values us. He’d never consider us a cast-off. Why, in my sanctified imagination, I can almost hear Him say to the angels, “(Your name) is a dandy.”
I love this…………..we have lots of recycled furniture which we have cleaned up. It is all very solidly built and cost next to nothing. I’m so glad Jesus loves us and values each one of His children.
Boy, are things getting clean around here, and our house getting put in order. What a feeling!!!!! Our garden is doing well, too. In the second week of planting the seeds in our garden, I needed great faith and patience (what a trial). I actually thought something was wrong. Then, soon, the plants began to show. Now they’re huge. I couldn’t believe how little patience I had. In regards to furniture, after waiting on God for while after finding a wonderful shelf unit , we found a beautiful Thomas Kinkade picture where the frame matched the unit perfectly.
Recycled furniture makes such a great illustration of God’s working in our lives. I’m glad you enjoyed this devotional. Every time you see a piece of your own recycled furniture, may you be reminded of God’s grace 🙂 I’m excited for you re: cleaning and organizing your house. Have you taken “before” and “during” pictures? Soon will come the “after” shots!
Amazing. I love this way of reminding us of who we used to be and who we have become through Christ! Thank you Grace! God bless.
Glad you enjoyed this piece, Rebecca. Know you are loved 🙂