Written by Nancy Evans Roskowski
Isaiah 57: 14-15 And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way. Remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
My father was a very smart man, so much so that he was the epitome of an absent-minded professor. With his mind on loftier things, he often forgot to pay attention to what was going on at earth, especially when he was driving. While he loved reading and always had a large book by his side, he also had another hobby that some may not have known about.
He loved building things and fixing most things. He always had a workshop, wherever he lived, that he loved to putter around in until his neuropathy took over, requiring him to put down his toolbelt for good. That workshop was his inner sanctuary that had everything put in its perfect place. I rarely went in there because, as a teenager and later as a young mother, I didn’t see the need to be there. Now I wish I had because the “workshop” is closed. I can never again, unless God has carpentry shops in heaven, say to him, “Hey Dad, how do you….?”
The part that came before the above Bible passage in Isaiah talks about how God was punishing Israel for breaking their covenant with Him. It forced Him to do major reconstruction in their hearts to remove the walls of sin that were blocking them from Him. It was His heart’s desire to construct a wide-open entryway to make it possible for them to come back to Him, without the temporary sacrifice of animals for their sins. Those animal sacrifices were “quick fixes” that would hold the doorway in place until the time came for the major rehab project to come to fruition: through Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection.
It was only through Christ’s finished work on the cross that could tear away the curtain which separated man from the intimate presence of the Most Holy God. Although that curtain can no longer be re-hung, as followers of Christ, we can still put up barriers that prevent a completely whole relationship with Him.
The good news is that Our Heavenly Father has a workshop that is always open. He wants us to come in so He can show us what areas He wants to improve and rebuild in our lives. I picture one day having a conversation with my Savior and Him saying, “Remember such and such a time? That was a tough period for you, but you see, I was using the Ultra Power Sand Blaster–( or whatever those thingees are called). It was painful and heart-wrenching, but it needed to be done.”
In times of trials and waiting, don’t forget to go to Our Father’s workshop. He has amazing plans for you, and He can’t wait to show you the blueprints for you through His Word.
The Workshop was written by Nancy Evans Roskowski
Prayer written by Tina Kramer
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We long for you. We look forward to the day when we can walk with You in the cool of the day like Adam and Eve did in the garden of Eden. For now, we walk by faith, trusting that you hear our cries for help. Give us eyes to see Your handiwork in the midst of our difficulties.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Mosaic by Autumn Krouse and the Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts
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