Someone has said we're developed in the darkness, in hidden places, a place of process until the full image of Christ’s maturity is developed in us. Just like film, negatives must be developed in a darkroom before the positive picture can be seen in the light. Photo paper is peculiar and special. Why are we surprised with dark seasons of trial and despair? Is it our Western mindset that causes us to think we will be spared discomfort and persecutions? Don’t we know Satan is a sharpshooter and we are his target? When we are surrounded and bathed in a toxic environment, it's only for a season. It's not to destroy us. God is working to develop our character. He has sealed us with His Holy Spirit to withstand every exposure to evil. King David said He prepares a table (spiritual sustenance) before me in the presence of my enemies.
The Lord Jesus hasn’t abandoned us. He’s with us in the darkroom and soon He’ll dip us into the neutralizer to wash off all the harsh chemicals of this world. But when we are hung up to dry, what will the daylight reveal? That day will reveal who we are. Will we manifest His sonship? It will expose where we've been and what we've done. Will we be full of spots and wrinkles or will we be clothed with rich wedding garments fitting a princess about to be married to the King of kings? What will our image be worth? After the trials, will we come forth as good and as valuable as gold? Will we shine like a polished gemstone or like a star? Or will we have a dull matt finish? Will we have a wide border of white where we are surrounded with the glory of God? Will we have an abundant entrance into the eternal glory of Heaven? Or, will we have no border and make it into Heaven by the skin of our teeth? Will we have an enhanced border where our good works are so abundant that we are surrounded and our good works follow us into His Presence? When He returns on that great day of His appearing His reward will be with Him and He will give to every man according to what He has done.
Modern technology has created shortcuts to see the image without the darkroom experience. Many think they can have the image, fame, and fortune without the “process”. The lack of godliness, character, fear of God, and lack of integrity is what no “process” produces. Could this “cancel culture” generation also be the generation without faith or love when Jesus returns for His “pictures”? He is returning to receive only those He bought and paid for. He's coming to pick up the ones with His image clearly visible. Those are the ones He approves of. They are His highly valued jewels. On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.” Malachi 3:16, 17 Are you one of His beautiful pictures? (Thanks Meda, for the great word picture.) Blessings Beloved of God.
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