Made New (Part 2)

Don’t skip the process. If you’re just jumping in for Part 2, stop and read Part 1 before you continue. I’ve had to learn this lesson a lot on my journey. Allowing my life and its transformation to unfold – and that much more slowly than what I would have liked. In the same way, my gifted dresser could only be made new one stripping and one repainting at a time.

I remember when my builder-boarder told me that I needed at least four different grit grades for removing the layers of paint and creviced pieces. He said to start with a low grade, and then slowly increase to a higher one. I didn’t understand why I needed to do this. Thankfully, when I realized I didn’t have to do it all by hand and would have a sander to help my process, I only needed two grades to complete this step. This is the beauty of allowing God to make you over. It would be much more difficult, long, and frankly impossible to do it yourself. But He’s able to produce results more seamlessly and quickly (even if slowly in our minds) than we ever could.

After several days, I finally had a blank canvas. There were still a few small dents and dips that had I kept trying to iron out, I would have only damaged my now workable surface. God leaves some of these impressions in our lives too – not to be scars but evidential beauty marks of His grace.

God leaves some of these impressions in our lives too – not to be scars but evidential beauty marks of His grace.

Weeks passed then I woke up one morning to my dismay. Pollen. It had arrived. And I hadn’t started painting yet. When I look back, the pollen was actually a good thing. I kept my project indoors and turned our living room into a craft shop. I needed to maneuver multiple ways on the floor, and I can tell you that was better than being on all fours outside on our ceramic porch.

The associate who sold me the paint insisted that I needed a separate primer rather than paint with one already mixed in. So, I listened. He said that real wood absorbs paint, and I'd be better suited with a priming coat to help guard against diminishing its color. I was curious about the purpose of primer beyond my limited knowledge, so I turned to the internet to discover more. Here are a few uses I found:

• Creates a sturdy canvas for the paint

• Creates a smooth layer for the paint to bind onto, providing a consistent evenness

• Enhances the durability and life of the paint

• Seals the pores in the permeable materials

• Corrects uneven and flawed surfaces

If you know me just a little by now, then you know I’m always finding some spiritual metaphor or parallel to everything around me. In ways, I could see how the primer is like the Holy Spirit to us. The first thing He does when we’re made new in Christ is seal us for the day of redemption. And if you’re like what you talking about Otis, what I mean is that the Holy Spirit is what protects us from the wrath of God’s judgment. He is our assurance that though we will still be judged for our deeds while in the body, we won’t suffer an eternal separation and damnation from God. He is God’s authenticating mark that reads “you are Mine.”

The Holy Spirit is our first enabler for real change. Like the primer, He preps us to receive the truth and correction our hearts once rejected. He allows the wisdom we once scorned to be bound to our minds so we can no longer ignore it. He strengthens us so that God’s transforming work in us isn’t temporary but long-lasting. And like the primer, He sets the stage to unveil an extraordinary masterpiece called you.

The associate was right. As I painted my first coat of primer on each drawer, after a few minutes the wood soaked up its smoky gray color, and I would have to apply more. Eventually, each piece was evenly colored and ready. But not ready to be painted over again. But just to sit and dry. If you recall my blog, “Dry Girl Dry” then you know you can’t skip this step either. We need opportunities to stay still in the presence of God and on His workbench as He slowly molds and readies us for His purposes and positioning. We need to allow Him to grow and change us spiritually little by little as a child develops from infancy to adulthood. The layers God is applying to me in this season are those of courage and commitment, and like my dresser I’ll need several coats until they’re cemented.

Adorning Day is coming though. When God presents you and says, “you’re ready for your first or next assignment in the Kingdom.” He dresses you for battle like my dresser was clothed with the darkness of midnight. Like my redone handles, He buffs the gifts and talents He’s given you so that you not only function effectively, but so their uniqueness and design cause you to stand out.

I have my heart set on one day owning a quaint ranch-style home, and I want everything about it to be farmhouse-ish. This little corner of my room is the beginning of that dream. I realize it’s not everyone’s taste and desire, and that’s fine. Likewise, you weren’t made for every room and onlooker. Many will never notice you. Some may glance back but then shuffle their feet forward. And then some will stop, marvel, and insist on bringing you home. These are the spaces, people, and opportunities crafted to highlight the beauty of what God has done and is continuing to do in you. I’m discovering the gift that I am and the value that I bring as I navigate the desires for new love and find my place in just the right ministry. As I enjoyed a variety of green teas as of late, I discovered this quote on one of the bags: “Quality means we never compromise.” I wanted to make compromises in remaking my dresser, and I have made too many compromises since becoming a follower of Christ. But I don’t want to make any more. I want to remember God's attentiveness and investment in making me over. Because I am – I’m made new.