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Because We’re All a Work in Progress

August 27, 2018

Over the last couple of years, I’ve watched my home undergo several renovation projects.

And with each floor that’s torn up, wall that’s removed, and plan that’s put in motion—I’m paying attention. As I’ve seen portions of our home demolished beyond recognition and put back together again—I’m learning that home renovations are so very similar to heart renovations.

1. You have to tear some things down before you can build back up in new and beautiful ways.

It’s impossible to see true transformation unless you remove the damaged and unhealthy portions first. Houses and people are alike in this way.

2. Working on the foundation isn’t the most appealing or attractive work but it is some of the most important.

Jesus spoke of this truth in Matthew 7:24-27:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Building our lives on anything but God’s Truth will result in a shaky foundation—a detriment to any building project before it even begins. Yes, we must put in the necessary, hard work of building our lives and our faith on the solid grounds of Scripture through consistency and daily seeking.

3. Not everyone is going to like what you’re doing.

Change invites both compliments and criticism. Just remember what comes out of someone else’s mouth is much more a reflection of their heart, not yours.

4. It’s good to stay humble enough to realize sometimes you need to get the professionals involved.

Some things you can do on your own and some things you can’t. Many small repairs can be handled without the help of a professional, but most large renovations—those deeps hurts and devastations—must be handled with care by those who are skilled in working with God to bring renewed health and restoration to both body and soul. My family and I have benefited greatly by bringing in the professionals in this season and we’re so grateful.

5. Those who don’t lose sight of the progress being made will find joy in the process.

And it’s always a process. Celebrate the wins, even the small ones. Stacks of small wins turn into big wins. And we can give God praise for each and every one.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

I’m sending all my love to you on this progress-filled day. Heart renovations, like home renovations, take diligence, patience, and a whole lot of prayer.

You are a beautiful work in progress.

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17 Comments
  1. Jen

    Praise God for His devotion to the remodeling of ME! oh, I am a continual mess, and yet God just keeps working on me. I’m so grateful. The big demolition came with my cancer diagnosis, and as He healed my body, He got to the foundation of my heart where the real work is being done. It’s messy work. Thank you Lysa for your life, your love, and the messages you bring from our Savior to us. Thank you for living the mess with all of us. I love you!

    Reply
  2. Susan

    Thanks so much for this today. My heart definitely needs renovation. My home does as well but my sweet husband is content as it is. Praying for mutual respect and understanding as we negotiate what the old house needs. Praying I will embrace the heart renovation the Lord has for me.

    Reply
  3. Korbi

    Thank you for sharing this! Just what I needed today. And it fits in well with our Ladies Bible study theme – we’re discussing Philippians and the fact that God Who began a good work in us will see it through to completion.

    Reply
  4. Tony Shook

    As always, Lysa, a challenge to continue with our King. The idea toward the end of celebrating wins, even (especially?) the small ones as they do turn into big ones reminded me of one of my favorite releases by Josh Wilson, “Dream Small.” The world may call us to ‘grab for the gusto’ (dating myself with that reference), but so-called little things done in the name of our King are noticed where it matters even when so often overlooked in this life.

    You wear the Carpenter’s sandals well.

    Reply
  5. Melissa Henderson

    Building a life on God’s truth. Amen. I pray each that in each moment, His love will shine through me and encourage others.

    Reply
  6. Denise Pass

    Beautiful, sweet, timeless truths. Thank you, Lysa!

    Reply
  7. Paige E

    He is definitely ripping some old stuff out. I am realizing my faith was propped up by some good works and false perceptions. It scares me the direction we are taking, but I’m determined to hold on to God, even when he feels far away. I’m also learning to accept this new person I am becoming, molded by life’s circumstances and events. I did not like her for many years and am exhausted from trying to get back to the old person. I’m starting to understand that I can’t go backward. I have to accept and learn to love this version of me, or I’ll never be able to successfully love others as myself.

    Reply
  8. Bethany Georgia

    Thank God being a work in progress is enough. 🙂 Thank God He does the hard work Himself.

    Reply
  9. Cathy Persons

    Lysa, I had a three hour surgery Monday, August 27th. The day before I woke up to ready for church @ 7:00 a.m. Except for the time I was under anesthesia, I’ve now been awake for 48 hours. No sleep, whatsoever. I am tired, I am weary, I’m worn. I finally swept the garbage going through my mind & remember one the things that makes the devil shiver is a mind concentrating on God’s Word. When my nurse came in a few minutes ago I asked her to get Kindle from my bag. I opened my email and found this much needed truth in my inbox. Thank you for sharing your ups & downs with all of us. In fact, as the nurse was retrieving this I mention YOU & those struggles to her & have her the Proverbs 31 url. My blessing? This note from you yes, guess who has changed his tactics? Right. I finally began to get sleepy but admonished him again to flee while I read this email & let you know much God blessed me by his words through you. Blessings & prayers for YOU are deserved my sister in Christ. I’m going to sleep now & when I awaken refreshed & renewed, I will resume tearing down those walls.

    Reply
  10. Cathy Persons

    I love your line ” You wear the Carpenter’s sandals well. ” May I use it for another Carpenter I know?

    Reply
  11. Sarah

    Yesterday I was walking from the kitchen to the dining table and I heard myself saying out loud: “we are all work in progress”… later I opened my mailbox and there was the title of this blog…’we are all work in process’. I knew I had to read it carefully and felt like God wanted to say something to me 🙂 So nice if God is communicating so personal en gently like that.

    With love from Curacao

    Reply
  12. Sally

    My beautiful amazing D in L shared this site with me. Every day I find new revelations about who I am in Christ and in the body of Christ. As a woman on the downward slope of life I love having old truths made new again. Lessons learned a lifetime ago brought up from the past and made exciting scary and poignant. Learning again that the words and wisdom taught to me 30+ years ago hold the same message. Proving He is always the same. Today tomorrow and yesterday. For this I am humbled and brought to tears. Blessed be His Holy Name.

    Reply
  13. Shelly

    This week I brought both my children to their respective schools and came back to an empty house. Not just that, today is my birthday! So…
    Tearing out the old. Yes. Laying a strong foundation. I pray to. Building something enduring and pleasing. Please.
    God will show me what to do, but the work is mine to do.
    I pray for clarity, strength, and freedom as I begin this reconstruction time in my life.

    Reply
  14. Carolyn Reath

    I read your post today about News & Truth. I’m praying for you for I’m-Possible! In Jesus Name. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Sarah @ Christ-Centered Mama

    I’m teaching my son (he’s 3) the songs that I learned when I was his age and a little older, and the song “The Wise Man Builds His House Upon the Rock” has been playing in my head now for weeks. I can’t complain though, because the meditation that has resulted from that earworm has been a blessing to my soul.

    Reply
  16. Karen

    Thanks for being one of the writers to inspire me to be a more faithful and humble person. There so much work from God that needs to be done through me.

    Reply
  17. Sarah

    Thank-you for sharing these words of truth.

    Reply
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