When it comes to remodeling, God is sentimental about keeping only one thing. He wants to keep us. He may allow changes in our health, wealth, comfort, and definitely, our self-sufficiency, but these divine “remodeling” events are intended to grow and keep intact our dependence on Him.
Remember who He is.
He is the builder who designs intricate structures from practically nothing. His dwellings last a lifetime and can have a tremendous affect on future generations. He uses whatever it takes to transform rubble into spectacular places.
Remember how He works.
Despite His phenomenal constructing ability, He curiously pursues our skills (which He gave to us in the first place) to achieve His plans.
Isn’t that peculiar?
God, The Limitless Creator, seeks man’s limited hands to accomplish His tasks.
He doesn’t need the help, but He wants it anyway.
He wants my hands to hold trustingly to Him—to move when He says, “Move” and to stop when He says, “Stop.”
In the Bible, God is famous for cleaning out, tearing down, and building up anew.
Rebuilding boundaries, establishing territories, designing new life—He is able to do it all!
Can I build a better life for myself than the one He would build?
If my answer is “no” (which it ought to be), then why don’t I trust Him enough to lead me through my life’s twists and turns?
Why don’t I follow His will for me?
Who do I think I am?
God?
In my life today, there are construction zones all around me. A wedding, a baby, new management, re-modeling—all are reminders that my life was never really designed to stay the same. (Only one relationship was biblically given a long-term status—marriage. Even that relationship is not forever.)
Here are some Bible examples I found of people working with God to clean out, tear down, and build up.
King Hezakiah’s 16 day clean out- 2 Chronicles 29
King Jehoshaphat’s tear out and build up- 2 Chronicles 17
National re-design 1 Kings 12:13-17, 2 Chronicles 10:13-19
In these passages the unexpected “remodel” of the nation Israel became necessary and even permanent. A collective request of the people was made to their new king. The request met with the king’s arrogance (supported by the young men) and subsequently the entire kingdom was “remodeled.” (divided)
Something to note…
Many “remodel” events erupt spontaneously when aged wisdom encounters a youthful “know-it-all” mentality or when a proud attitude bumps into a servant attitude.
Disobedience is another factor that contributes to God’s remodeling efforts.
The whole of the Old Testament is full of changes/remodels. God is not sentimental or timid with His methods when it comes to expecting that His people will take a different direction than the world’s “normal.” His tactics reflect this singular focus.
In all the remodeling done by God, the ONLY factor it seems that He is seeking to secure is man’s obedience, faith, and trust in Him.
That’s it
Trust and obey God.
Can we do it?
One more example of “remodeling” is found in the words describing the FUTURE of God’s people.
God said,
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing and her people for gladness “I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; And there will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying.” Isaiah 65:17-19
Jesus said about life’s trouble on earth and the “The Great remodel,”
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3
Will you be there to see The Great Remodel?