Over coffee last night, a girl friend and I were sharing a bit of our backgrounds & story with one another….as new girlfriends are likely to do as part of our get to know each other chats (Right girlfriends ;D)
She mentioned how sometimes when something seems to good to be true, it is a warning.
You know…like how a little strategic decorating versus bedazzling the heck out of something appeal differently to our senses.
Sometimes we don’t take enough care to take a closer look at the bedazzling package in front of us.
True beauty is deeper than the surface beauty we often settle for.
I have found God’s gifts have a natural wonder which take my breath away in appreciation, but never glitters so much I can no longer clearly see His handiwork.
Years ago, pre-believing, I was very flattered by the attention of an older handsome man, and threw caution to the wind. I found myself quickly over my head, and looking back now, just as quickly longed for a way out. I was bedazzled by the outer exterior, but saw some glimpses of what was underneath, which wasn’t pretty at all. I still thank God that He got me out of that relationship as quickly as He did.
Just coz it looks great, doesn’t mean it is great.
Ever since that experience, I look beyond the exterior into the interior character of people. To me, the beauty of you is found in who you are, not the shell you are housed in.
I may be outwardly overweight, but inwardly I am way more attractive than I was when He found me!
Anger and rage have been tamed, with sarcasm wrestled & left at the foot of the cross….but what He left in their place is way more beautiful and dazzling than i could have imagined.
God moved in, and began to shine His Presence in such a way i startednto see the decor within might have been bedazzling on the surface, but was really tarnished underneath. It was time to trade up!
Now i decorate within in the Vintage style which will last for eternity!
The beauty found in spending time with my Maker, who is continually making me new from the inside out.
So if you suspect something is too bedazzlingly wonderful to be true, ask Him to reveal what is really under the surface.
It may be the enemy is trying to decoy you away from where God really wants you, or God may have something better ahead than you ever believed possible, Beloved.
Being aware doesn’t mean we need to be scared. It simply means take a moment to ask God, “Is this what You have for me?” and awaiting His response.
May we cease being surface dwellers, and dig deep for the vintage eternal treasures He has waiting for us to unwrap & enjoy.
KARLA LEES 