Week 11 of 2025

Scripture Inspiration: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Reflection: Life has a way of shaping us, often in ways we don’t anticipate. Picture a jagged rock, rough-edged and unrefined. It begins its journey tumbling in the rushing current of a river. At first, the river’s force may seem harsh—knocking, grinding, and chipping away at the rock. Yet, over time, what was once jagged and coarse is transformed into a smooth, polished river stone.

This imagery mirrors our spiritual journey. The jagged rock represents our hearts and lives when we first encounter God. We may carry rough edges: pride, anger, fear, or past wounds. Then, we’re placed into the rushing waters of God’s grace and love. These waters do not harm us; instead, they refine us. The trials, challenges, and blessings we face are like the river’s flow, working to smooth out our rough edges.

At times, the process can feel overwhelming. You might feel as though you’re being churned in waters beyond your control. But take heart in knowing that the refining process is guided by God’s hand. He sees the masterpiece within you, the polished stone that reflects His image.

Personal Experience: There are moments in my life that have felt like the battering of a rushing river. One experience that stands out was my motorcycle accident. It left me shaken, questioning, and chipped in more ways than one. For a while, I struggled to understand why such a moment of impact had occurred. But as I leaned into God’s presence, I began to see that this seemingly destructive force was smoothing out parts of me that I hadn’t even realized were jagged—teaching me patience, resilience, and a deeper trust in Him. After a few days in the hospital, I was able to get out of bed and walk the halls only to realize there was others in beds worst off then I and in need of prayer.

Prayer: Lord, You are the master craftsman, molding and shaping me each day. Help me to trust in Your refining process, even when it feels difficult. May the waters of Your grace smooth my rough edges and transform me into a reflection of Your love. Amen.

Remember, the river’s flow isn’t meant to break you; it’s meant to shape you. Keep trusting, keep flowing, and let His work in you shine.

Action Step: Take time this week to identify the “jagged edges” in your life. Are there aspects of your character or faith that need refinement? Then, commit to stepping out of your comfort zone. Just like the river’s current, stepping into new, challenging, or uncomfortable experiences allows God to work on you in ways that familiarity cannot. These moments, though unsettling, help to reveal and smooth the rough edges we often can’t see ourselves. Whether it’s pursuing a conversation you’ve been avoiding, taking on a new responsibility, or saying “yes” to something you would normally refuse, trust that stepping into the unknown is part of His refining process. In that space, you might just find new strength, perspective, and grace shaping you into His masterpiece.

Commit to a moment of prayer, asking God to guide you as you take these bold steps. Trust that He is shaping you into something beautiful, just like a river stone.

What’s an area in your life where you feel called to step out? Let’s explore how you might lean into that opportunity!