Sunday, November 30, 2008
My business career has been as an owner of an advertising agency. Over the years, I have had the privilege to work on many different and prestigious accounts. One of those accounts was Steinway Pianos, the maker of the world's finest pianos. Each piano has always been made from scratch; it takes over a year to make one Steinway. The most impressive scene as I toured the manufacturing plant was the place where the soundboard is stretched to its maximum tolerance and allowed to sit for an extended period until it remains in the curved design. This was done in an off-to-the-corner part of the plant. If the wood were alive, it would be crying out for mercy.
After an extended time of stretching, the wood will never spring back to its original state. It is permanently changed. The piano is becoming a fine-tuned instrument. After this process takes place, the next step requires another point of stress. It takes 11 tons of pressure on a piano to tune it. Each step in the process moves the piano closer to a finished product that will ultimately be played by the world's finest musicians. These musicians desire a particular sound that only a piano like this can make.
God looks at each of us as a fine-tuned instrument. However, we begin as rough wood that He desires to transform into gold. Tuning us requires certain experiences that will stretch our faith, our frame, and our very life. Sainthood springs out of suffering. If we can stand the strain of this intense process, we will come forth as gold-as a sweet-smelling offering to our Maker. When we are in the midst of these times, it feels like fire. It is painful to be stretched beyond our perceived limits, but the Lord knows this is necessary for us to become an instrument that can play a beautiful song that others will seek after.
a good friend told me this story
last week as an encouragement.
sounded like the Master Potter story
that Pastor Patrick talked about today.
at the end of the day,
as we pursue our "career" as students,
we really have three choices.
1. my academics my way
2. my academics God's way
3. God's academics God's way
sometimes,
we get stuck at Number Two.
but,
as i look forward to the
next three papers that i have,
i want to be able to choose
Number Three.
cause,
we know that God causes all things
to work together for good, to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
3:11 PM
