Fixer Upper

Aside from being a popular HGTV show starring Chip & Joanna Gaines from Waco, TX, the term “fixer upper” represents something in need of repair. My husband has dabbled a few times with fixer uppers either for resale or rental property.  He takes the forgotten, run-down, and mistreated properties and gives them a much needed facelift. 

Oftentimes our lives resemble a fixer upper. We get down, discouraged, and lonely. It is easy to get caught up in the problems of life. With property, fixer uppers are often neglected by the previous owner, overlooked by some buyers, and not representative of their full potential. I believe in the mundane walk of everyday life, people find themselves in the category “fixer upper”. 

It is quite easy to feel down on yourself and neglect the things that in reality would help you feel better. For example, when discouraged, it is much easier to sleep in rather than go to the gym; or, grab a bite at the drive thru instead of taking the time to prepare a home cooked meal; or, just sit on the sofa watching episodes of “Fixer Upper” instead of straightening & cleaning your own surroundings. Sound familiar? Have you neglected yourself? 

Don’t lose hope. There is a buyer looking to take up residence with you. He sees your full potential. He is willing to move in just as you are and work together with you on the repairs. It may take some time, but He won’t leave you, even after the work is done, He continuously improves His investment. He loves to restore broken things: things like hearts, emotions, fears, & even bodies. He is the perfect tenant. He holds all the power, yet He allows you to make the decisions. Isn’t that a reflection of love and trust?!? 

Open your life today, and invite Jesus inside. John 14:23 says,

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Galatians 3:13 tells us,

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.”

How encouraging! Jesus desires to abide in you! And, He has done all the work! He took the curse upon Himself when He died on the cross. Accept Him, His love, His forgivenesses, His redemption, and recognize you are not alone. The superficial, overwhelming day-to-day discouragement pales in the light of the loving Savior. See yourself through Jesus’ eyes. One day at a time, one project at a time, with Jesus abiding in you, you too will meet your full potential.