A Salvaged Wreck

I read in the news today that after almost two years, workers finally raised the capsized cruise ship, the Costa Concordia off of the coast of Italy. It had sat in wreckage, half above water and half under, it's sight being a constant reminder of the tragedy that took place there and the lives that were lost. The once wrecked shipped had suffered extensive damage from not only the initial grounding but also years of raging seas that wreaked havoc on its body and structure. The only good thing about its removal is the daily visual reminder for those that live there will be gone but also that the ship will be cut up in pieces and the steel melted down to be used again in another form. As I read about that, I reflected on my day today.
Today, I had the opportunity to do what I really love to do and that is meet with people. I have had three meetings and have been blessed as I sat at ones work, at the home of another and even with one here at the church. All of these as I spoke with them had the same thing in common and that is that they either had or have had some struggles in their lives. I will not go into details on what it was that they went through or are going through but what I want to share with you today is this...That God is in the Salvage Business! Our lives at times seem like that cruise ship, they are sailing right along without a care in the world and then for some reason, be it sin, bad choices or just chance that they run aground. Lives are hurt. Things are changed and the next thing you know the raging seas begin to badger you, wreaking havoc on you, the ones you love and even your relationship with Christ. The great thing about it is that Christ can come, lift us out of a mess and take our life that was an eyesore and disappointment to not only ourselves but to others and melt us down and form us into something that is for His Glory! The once wrecked life can be restored and made new again...but ONLY if we let HIM!
1 Peter 5:10...And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
See You @ The River...Pastor John