I am always amazed at these HGTV shows where they take an ugly, decrepit house and turn it around to be the prize home on the block. What skill!

Of course, there is usually some drama associated with it. Something falls apart that they weren’t expecting. Something takes more time, costs way more money, or is rotten when they thought it was sturdy.

The drama, however, helps keep the viewers engaged as they wonder if the project will get completed on time and within budget.

I think our lives are so much like these home shows, don’t you?

As believers, we find the Word of God penetrating our ugly, decrepit souls and calling out for change.

As we read the words of Jesus, we can envision the beautiful life we were meant for – to be the prized possession of a worthy King.

We make commitments, decide to make changes, and quickly find out that the tasks ahead are more difficult than we imagined.

The enemy comes and starts distracting us. The work we are doing in our life brings up deeper issues that have to be dealt with. We balk at the amount of time and effort we have to put in. It isn’t as easy as we thought. In fact, it is down-right hard. The drama never ends. The enemy never relents. The rottenness keeps getting found in places we didn’t expect to see it.

The truth is, nothing is changed without hard work and determination. That goes for houses as well as spiritual soul work.

We have a greater hope, however. We don’t need to worry about time, budget, or excess drama because the Master builder of our domain has unlimited time and says he will bring to completion what He has started in us.

“For I am confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

He owns it all. Anything and everything we will need to bring about change in our life is found in Him.

So, if you are in despair over the ugly, decrepit, sinful state you find yourself in, remember that He makes all things beautiful in His time.

You are work of art. A continuous work of art that has not been completed. Be willing to be remade, remolded, torn down and put back together according to His master plan. And be patient! It takes time to make a beautiful masterpiece. He has not finished with you yet.