God Can Refine You in the Ocean of Life

Debbi Eggleston is one of those creative ladies who blesses so many with her beautiful projects. Months and months ago, we discussed how she makes lovely things from cast off "sea glass." I asked her to write this Spiritual Life UPGRADE. 

"God can take you through the ocean of life, tumble you and smooth out the rough edges," Debbi said. "Do you have a sharp edge that appears just as quickly as you would like it to disappear?" 

Sharp edges. Rough edges. Yes, I (Dawn) have a bunch of them. And I praise God He will never be content to leave them alone. He has a beautiful plan.

Debbi continues . . .  

I grew up in Orange County, California, and rode my bike to Huntington Beach every chance I got. I would like to say that I collected shells and sea glass, but I was 16 and collected boys!

My love of the ocean has continued and I am overwhelmed at the beauty of the waves and what they can churn up! I started a business four years ago using sea glass and old jewelry, and I love to make something new out of what I find.

As I was thinking about the process of finding my treasures, it seemed to relate to my walk with the Lord.

1. First there is PREPARATION.

Do I have all the necessary tools with me? I bring a bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, a jacket and i wear comfortable shoes.

Application: When I start each day, do I prepare with God’s Word and have it close in my head and in my heart? Am I ready to find what God has prepared for me in advance? The Psalmist says, "My voice You shall hear in the morning, Oh Lord. In the morning I will direct it to you and I will look up" (Psalm 5:3).

2. Then there is ANTICIPATION. 

Some colors of sea glass are rare—like red and blue—but most glass found is brown, green and white. You are always looking for the next “best” piece. Will I pass up the broken pieces or the ones that are not quite as pretty? 

Application: When I am out for the day, do I look with excitement for opportunities that the Lord will place in my path? It may be a homeless person or a weary cashier, a friend or a stranger.

Jesus does not overlook the lost, broken or “not so pretty.” There are a multitude of needs, and sometimes a caring smile is all they need.

I’ll never forget a 10-minute trip to AMVETS that turned into an evening of discovery. I dropped off a box of older Christmas items after hours. A small group of homeless people started admiring the items and wanted to decorate their carts.

I ended up going to McDonald's and sharing burgers and fries with about 10 of them. I was able to share God’s love and pray with a gal who had lost her job and apartment—encouraging words like Psalm 118:6, "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

3. And then there is the FIND. 

Depending on where you decide to look for sea glass, it can sometimes turn into a long day with no sightings of glass but plenty of sea gulls! Another day can end with a bag so full, you wonder how you are going to be able to carry it.

Application: With God, every day is an adventure because no two days are the same. Some days may be quiet and just perfect for prayer and study. Another day, you might be the face of Jesus to someone.

I love the new trend of “paying it forward.” You can pay for coffee or groceries and bless the person standing behind you! He or she might be going through the refining stage of their life and being tossed and barely keeping their head above water. I remember Isaiah 58;7a: "Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out....?"

4. And finally, there is the RESULT.

When I find a piece of sea glass, it is hard to believe that it started as trash.

It was not valuable to anyone or useful. It was thrown out with rough edges and then refined and made beautiful by being tossed by the sea.

Application: The Lord does that with us!  We are lost and tossed by the world’s waves.  We may be rough, dirty, depressed and feel alone. We may wonder if this is all there is. We are born, live a life and then die. The world can seem cold and cruel.

God can change our life. He can give us purpose and make sense of everything.

We can become grounded and He can take the rough waters and make them calm. He can smooth our rough edges and make us feel beautiful in His eyes. All we have to do is acknowledge Him as our Lord and ask forgiveness for our sins and invite Him into our heart. He will take care of us! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Now, what do I do with my sea glass creation? Do I put it on a shelf and look at it every day? Or do I share it with others?

Be open to the will of God and see what He has in store for you.

How has the Lord has refined you? How has He smoothed away your rough edges to make you more like His Son and a blessing to others?  

Debbi Eggleston and her husband Kevin have been married for 43 years. They serve as missionaries with Bibles and Literature in French. She makes creative, one-of-a-kind jewelry at Designs by Debbi from items she finds around the world.