A Woman Fashioned by God’s Love and Grace

The one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 5:5 (NIV)

Fashion is defined as “a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament or manners of behavior.”  We all love fashion and usually can’t wait until this seasons styles are revealed.  Famous fashion designers, like Liz Claiborne, Michael Kors, Gucci and Donna Karan, label all their creations.  But did you know your days and life are fashioned by God the Master Designer before you were born?  Or that He created you in the womb and designed you as you are? You are a Designer Original.

Ladies, know this, a woman fashioned by God is not perfect but priceless.   

"You brought my inner parts into being; You wove me in my mother’s womb.  I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder; marvelous are Your works, and You know me completely. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and intricately put together in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw me unformed, yet in Your book all my days were written, before any of them came into being. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand;
when I awake, I am still with You." Psalm 139:13-18

What man shuns, God has designed as part of His perfect plan for you. Some of us are dissatisfied with our appearance or abilities because we are looking at life from the perspective of human nature instead of eternity.

The Apostle Paul lamented over a physical defect that caused him embarrassment. He felt it was a hindrance to his work and prayed three times for God to take it away. The answer of the Lord was, “This is of Me. My strength is made perfect in your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Can you imagine that, even the Apostle Paul was concerned about a defect he felt may cause people to reject him?  Once the apostle determined to live by the Lord’s strength, he found that his weakness became an asset to his life and began rejoicing in it. 

You were also fashioned for God’s purpose – not for this world. When you stand before the Lord, you will be rewarded for faith, and how you walked according to God’s plan not your weaknesses or defects. What you may think is a weakness is actually God’s blessing. The Apostle Paul said, “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10  I can truly tell you, there is power in weaknesses. In the areas where you fall short, God stands strong. And His strength exceeds anything you can do for yourself. Or anything you can do for God.

Your days are also planned out ahead of time. Has life thrown you a curve? If not, it will at some point in time. However, what catches us off guard doesn’t catch God off guard. In fact, the Lord designed life to bring you at this place – at this time. If you are struggling, it is because God is showing you how to be weak in human effort so His strength can be perfected in you. What we consider tragedies will be nothing when we look back from the perspective of eternity. Even pain will be nothing in our sight once we see life as it truly is meant to be and understand God is making you into what you ought to be.          1 Peter 5:10

Each thought, each problem, each pain, and joy has been born out of the precious thoughts God has toward you. Most of the greatest plans cannot be seen until the entire plan unfolds. We may not be able to see beauty while standing in the sand of the desert, but at the end of the journey is the promises of God. The Lord is the rewarder of those who trust Him.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

This is the promise of Psalm 139. Everything in your life is designed to lead you to God’s purpose and then guide you to His promises. Your days were fashioned – as was your life. If you walk by His leading, you will discover the joy of the journey in every circumstance, and you’ll have the joy of what awaits at the end of this journey!

Even though I love to dress in the latest vogue, I would rather be fashioned by God’s grace.

Stay Blessed!

Fran