“Struggles - God's Way of Sculpting Us into Masterpieces”
By Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
10/29/2023
When challenges arise, it’s easy to feel discouraged, afraid, or distraught. In the moment, we only perceive the sting of pain, the discomfort of the unknown, the bitter taste of disappointment. Struggles seem meaningless, and we wonder, “Why me?”
Yet, what if life’s difficulties are actually God chiseling away the rough edges of our character? What if the trials we face have a profound purpose in shaping us into magnificent masterpieces that reflect God’s glory?
Just as the friction of the sculptor’s tools transforms shapeless rock into breathtaking works of art, the distressful situations we experience can mold us into something beautiful if we allow God to work through them.
Here are three insights on how struggles can shape us:

1. Struggles Build Perseverance and Proven Character
   *Romans 5:3-4 shares, “we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces perseverance, perseverance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.” Difficulties that test our grit and tenacity build godly perseverance and character within us. As we withstand the refining fire, we emerge as silver – purified and reflecting Christ's light more brilliantly.
2. Struggles Make Room for God’s Power
   *2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” When we come to the end of our own limited strength, we create capacity for God’s limitless power to radiate through our lives. Hardships can illuminate places of weakness where we need more of Him. As we yield those areas to Christ, His strength is showcased powerfully.

Struggles Equip Us to Comfort Others
*2 Corinthians 1:3-4 explains that God “comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction.” The trials we walk through cultivate wisdom and empathy. As we receive God’s comfort in our struggles, we are then equipped to extend His comfort to others navigating hardship. Our pain is never wasted.
God's Masterful Process
Just as hammer strokes and friction are necessary for shaping a work of art, the discomfort of struggles is at times needed for God to refine us into His masterpieces. The process is seldom easy or instant. But as we yield to the Master Sculptor’s work, beauty is gradually revealed. The pressures bring to light priceless gems of character, purpose and wisdom that could not be unearthed any other way.
Where we see only flaws, God envisions the complete masterpiece. When circumstances chip away painfully, trust there are no accidents with the Master Craftsman. If we stay pliable in the Potter’s hands, struggles will transform us into magnificent reflections of God’s love and glory.
The Invitation to be Molded
Are we willing to place ourselves in the Sculptor’s hands, trusting that His ways and timing are perfect? Will we surrender control, even when the process feels arduous? The invitation is to yield to His wisdom and methods unconditionally. When we entrust ourselves fully to the Master Artist, what emerges will far surpass our finite imaginings.
May we embrace life’s difficulties as tools in the Maker’s hands, sculpting us into His crowning masterpieces. And as we stay pliable, we will become a breathtaking work of art that reveals the heart of the Craftsman Himself. What an astounding honor that the King of Kings would meticulously shape us into something so magnificent.