My Distinguishing Mark

Your sail was of fine embroidered linen from Egypt so that it became your distinguishing mark. Ezekiel 27:7 (New American Standard Bible)

Ezekiel 27 describes the city of Tyre as a majestic ship and gushes with elaborate details. The best wood, the best material, the best workmanship, the best….everything. Its presence commanded respect and its distinction was borne out of the exquisite embroidered linen with which its sails were made. As my eyes landed on this verse I was struck by the phrase, “it became your distinguishing mark.” I have spent the last couple of hours pondering what my distinguishing mark is. What is it that sets me apart with distinction and uniqueness?

I know what I often try to make my distinguishing mark. While it may vary from time to time it is usually found within the scope of abilities, relationships, personality, and successes. The truth of the matter is that none of those things actually are my distinguishing mark. My distinction comes from my relationship with God through Jesus Christ and His work in me. He and He alone gives me my worth, value, and significance. He and He alone has stamped out a unique plan and purpose for my life. As a master Potter, He is molding and transforming me into a one of a kind image of His own Son.

The fact that He is faithfully doing that astounds me but the way He goes about it at times pains me. Lately it seems that His technique involves exposing the worst parts of me to myself. He shows me what has to go and that is when I begin to cringe and squirm. Be it an attitude, a perception, an emotional rut, or a mindset, I often put up a fight before finally opening my closed fist (and mind) to His persistent pleading. The most recent “episode” took about 24 hours!

The truths that are so easy to share via devotionals are often the most difficult to live out and appropriate to my life. I take comfort in the fact that while I am so far from where I want to be, I am at least farther than I use to be. I am grateful for the friends who will come along side me during the dark times but even more grateful for a God who knows me thoroughly and still loves me. Even in the times when I cannot bring myself to confide in another person the deepest thoughts and hardest struggles, He remains my faithful Counselor and Comforter. I praise Him and need Him.

Father, the storm is subsiding and Your peace is returning. In the stillness of this moment I worship You! Amen.

Who am I - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGU76is9BuY

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16