The Carpenter’s Tools: Embrace God’s Vision

God created each of us for a unique, specific purpose. But only when we put our lives in the Master’s hands can we truly use what God has given us correctly. If we don’t submit our gifts to God, the enemy will pervert them for his use.

There’s an old story about a creative workshop led by carpenter’s tools. Brother Hammer presided over the gathering, and several people complained that he was too noisy. Brother Hammer told the crowd, “If I have to leave, Brother Screw has to leave too. You have to turn him around and around to get him to do anything.” Brother Screw then pointed at Sister Sandpaper, saying, “She’s rougher than I am.” And so went the complaints until the carpenter of Nazareth walked in to start His day’s work. He employed every tool, each with its unique capability, to create a masterpiece.

This story reminds me of how we often view our spiritual journey. When I first started walking with Christ, I felt out of place in church. But just as a skilled carpenter knows the value of each tool in his tool kit, God showed me that my unique perspective, honed by my experiences, was valuable in His grand design.

You too must value your uniqueness. Like the carpenter’s tools, we each have a role in God’s plan. Our unique experiences and perspectives, even those that seem flawed or “rough,” are essential in the hands of the Master Carpenter.

Over time, God adjusts our spiritual vision. When we come to Christ, we begin to see our strengths and weaknesses as parts of a greater purpose. The “blurry vision” of our new faith gradually clears as we learn to trust in God’s plan. There is a story in Mark’s Gospel about a blind man whom Jesus healed, and I believe his healing parallels our own spiritual awakening.

Then they came to Bethsaida; and some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged Him to touch him. Taking the blind man by the hand, He led him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but [they look] like trees, walking around.” Then again Jesus laid His hands on his eyes; and the man stared intently and [his sight] was [completely] restored, and he began to see everything clearly. —Mark 8:22–25, AMP

In this account, there are several important truths we need to apply to our lives:

We must seek community support. Just as the blind man was led to Jesus, we often find our way to Christ through the guidance of others, each person playing a unique role in our spiritual journey.

We must step out in faith. Jesus led the man out of his village to heal him. Similarly, God often calls us out of our comfort zones, using our unique traits to fulfill His purpose.

We must realize our spiritual growth is often progressive. The man’s healing was gradual, which reflects our own journey of faith. Like adjusting to a new pair of glasses, our spiritual understanding develops over time.

When feeling uncertain about your spiritual journey, remember the carpenter’s tools. Each had a purpose, as do you. Embrace the changes in your spiritual vision, trusting that God is molding you into His masterpiece.

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