Life is a tapestry

I read a comment recently which likened our lives to a tapestry with God being the weaver. He is above the work and can see the intricate pattern He is working on, but we, who are underneath the work, can only see a tangle of fibre ends and criss crossing stitches. Our lives may seem without purpose or meaning, but God knows better. If we trust in Him, all will eventually become clear. 

I was interested in the origin of this thought and found that the idea was expressed in a poem written by Grant Colfax Tullar, an American minister, composer, and hymn writer from the mid 1800’s.

The poem was not well known during his lifetime but was used by Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who assisted many Jews to escape persecution during World War 2. She would talk to victims about their purpose in life and the many challenges it presented, sharing with them these words - 

“My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colours
He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.”

The Bible mentions in many places that God loves us but He doesn’t promise us an easy life. We will face difficult situations which may try our faith but will also strengthen our character. We have God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This great hope is explained further in the Bible, along with so much more, if you choose to read it.