Christian Sandpaper Blessings

When we were traveling in Holland, we were privileged to watch clogs being made by hand. What a meticulous process this was. The clog-maker took a piece of log and made a masterpiece out of it. I think my favorite part (other than painting) was when he held a piece of sandpaper in his hands and the clogs were transformed from a rough outline of shoes to a beautiful, smooth pair of shoes that would protect the wearer from the soggy Dutch land, allowing for the completion of daily activities and tasks. He passed the shoes around and the smoothness was like silk. Perfect for use.

Sweet sister, just like the sandpaper made for use on wood, God graciously provides “Christian sandpaper” (sand-people) to smooth our rough edges and aid in perfecting us. Let’s have a look at the concept of Christian sandpaper. Think about this verse: “I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel” (Ezekiel14:5). Imagine the results of us turning to God when these people come into our lives and walk through life with us during various seasons!

Certainly, it isn’t just me that has had some of my prickly imperfections shaped by people and situations in my life. Sure, these cause some degree of discomfort or conflict, but oh, the finished product will be such a beauty. There are times that I’d pull out my wallet and pay to get out of the situation or away from a person that is a bit abrasive or rubs us a little raw, but that isn’t God’s plan. Ultimately these situations, like sandpaper, smooth out our rough edges making us more and more like Christ. Just like sandpaper removes imperfections from wood, these “sandpaper people” and situations can refine and change us.  I’m reminded of Romans 5:3-4: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

We all love “our people,” whether it is family (blood or Christian), co-workers, neighbors or friends. Those that we love are the ones that God will usually use as sandpaper for us. You know-- the ones that are a bit rough or unpleasant to be around for long periods of time. These sweet souls may even be Christians that are just a bit different in action or word than we are. We have lessons and shaping of our lives that can be gained from them as well. Matthew 5:46 says, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” In other words, it’s easy to love those who love you and please you. There is no challenge or growth there. BUT… the challenge and reward are to love those Sandpaper People who will also grow you.

I bet by now you are thinking, “YES, I know exactly who my strong grid sandpaper is in my life but how do I deal with this?” Friend, my first bit of insight is this: sanding with water enables you to eliminate scratches that dry sandpaper may cause. Yes, inviting “The Living Water of Life” to join you as you rub shoulders with the sandpaper people He puts in your life. If you know that you will be with a sandpaper person, don’t shy away- instead, pray! Love them! 1 John 4:1 tells us that if God loved us, we ought to love one another. Join Christ in sharing a love that can only be found and shared through Him. Living water in Hebrew is expressed beautifully in Hebrew: "mayim chaim." It means constantly being in a state of refreshing, replenishing, and refilling. Oh, how sweet to know that Christ can and will constantly refresh, replenish and fill us as He lovingly allows those around us to be used in our perfection.

Here are some additional insights when dealing with "sandpaper people:"

• When you are praying, don’t just pray for yourself. Use this as an opportunity to minister to your “sandpaper person” as well. Ask God to give you the love that He wants you to have for this person. Ask God to draw this person closer to Him as well as to you (Romans 12:18). Sometimes that is a huge pill to swallow, but that’s usually when it is most needed.

• Many of you likely know that when sanding, one begins with a coarser grit sandpaper to remove imperfections, then a finer grit is used for a smooth finish. Here’s an important step though- you MUST clean the surface between each sanding stage. Now isn’t that just the stuff! Imagine us cleansing ourselves by confession of shortcomings (sin) between sanding. Oh, what a sweet picture of God restoring us and forgiving us along our way to our final stage.

• Sanding with the grain is the golden rule of woodworking. Basically, that means working/moving in the same direction as the wood grain. Oh, my sweet sister, this is something that we MUST get into our minds. Our daily prayers should include asking our Holy Spirit to lead us in the ways of the Lord so that we are moving in the right direction.  That may mean slowing down (or speeding up if laziness is a temptation) to make more time for Him.

• Finally, we need to check progress while sanding is taking place. We often forget to complete this step of asking God to show us any imperfections and impurities in our lives that need further sanding. Having an accountability partner is a wonderful asset for this. A Christian sister that you can confide in whom you can take constructive criticism from is priceless. We have many examples in the Bible of men and women who didn’t see their own weaknesses and faults until God sent another person to confront and restore them. Sister, if you are blessed to have a lady who pours into you, that you can confide in, and who will give you Godly wisdom and scripture in time of need- cling to her! Give her permission to be that iron that sharpens iron (Prov. 27:17), that fine grit sandpaper that helps you become the masterpiece that God has designed you for.

We cannot fathom all that God has planned for our lives, nor can we begin to understand all of the ways that He draws us to Him and refines us. The one thing that we can be sure of is that God works ALL things for good to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Because of this, we can trust Him COMPLETELY as He places those sandpaper people in our lives. He has a purpose and a plan. Our responsibility is to treat these people in our lives with love and grace. As we lean on God to do this, day by day He will continue to grow us. We will have the love that He wants us to have for these people and we will grow in grace.

Scripture to Ponder: Ezekiel 14:5; Proverbs 27:17; Romans 5:3-4, 8:28, 12:18; Matthew 5:46; 1 Corinthians 13:41 John 4:1