Me: What are you doing Prodigal?
Prodigal: I am coloring in all these dots to make some form of art. What do you think so far?
Me: I think it looks great! Do you know we get the term polka dot form the Greek term poikolos
Prodigal: I did not know that but, how did you know that?
Me: I was just reading in Chuck Swindoll’s book Hope Again and He defines that term in fact I will share what he wrote.
The world various comes from an interesting Greek term, poikolos, which means “variegated” or “many colored.” We also get the term “polka dot” from it. Trials come in a variety of forms and colors. They are different, just as we are different. Something That would hardly affect you might knock the slats out from under me–and vice versa. But God offers special grace to match every shade of sorrow.
Paul had a thorn in the flesh, and he prayed three times for God to remove it. “No,” said God, “I’m not taking it away.” Finally Paul said, “I’ve learned to trust in You, Lord. I’ve learned to live with it.” It was then God said, “My grace is sufficient for that thorn.” He matched the color of the test with the color of grace.
This variety of trials is like different temperature settings on God’s furnace. The settings are adjusted to burn off our dross, to temper us or soften us according to what meets our highest need. It is in God’s refining fire that the authenticity of our faith is revealed. And the purpose of these fiery ordeals is that we may come forth as purified gold, a shining likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. That glinting likeness is what ultimately gives glory and praise and honor to our Savior.
Stop comparing where you are at with your life and your trials right now to someone else. We are different colors and size polka dots. God has meant it that way. You should not look like my color or my size. God is doing something else in your life. What will look the same though is God’s love and his grace!
Psalm 27:13
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
