Bricks can build up–or bring damage.
Around the turn of the twentieth century, Samuel Brengle, who was in service with the Salvation Army, was attacked and struck down by a brick. The paving brick had been thrown at him by a drunk, in the skid row area of Boston. Following the attack, while recovering, he devoted his time to writing articles for the Salvation Army’s War Cry magazine. These articles were then gathered into a little book called, Helps to Holiness. For years after that, he heard appreciation expressed over how that book had been a blessing to someone. Without any evidence of bitterness over the attack, his response was to smile and say, “Well, if there had been no brick, there would have been no little book.”
His wife kept the brick and painted on it the words of Joseph, from Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Do you have some bricks in your life? Has someone thrown something at you that they intended for your harm? Figuratively, bricks come in all sizes and weights. A smaller brick, or one that is not aimed well, may cause just a glancing blow. It may sting for awhile, but the damage is not permanent or even lasting. A heavier, well aimed brick that hits you right in the forehead can be disabling. The first variety could come in the form of being slighted by someone, or overlooked for a promotion. Or perhaps you were not given the credit due you for some accomplishment. Heavier bricks may come in the form of an unwanted divorce, or abandonment. It might be a debilitating illness, or a gross injustice.
However it comes, whatever kind of blow is experienced, there is a very real Enemy in our lives who is adept at throwing bricks. He may use people to propel them, but however they come, he intends to harm us. He wants to weaken our resolve to serve God, to damage our testimony or just keep us discouraged.
Because God is sovereign, and nothing can thwart His plans, we can take comfort in the knowledge the Enemy of our souls does not have the last word. If we belong to God, whatever He allows into our lives will have a good end.
While the Enemy is tearing down structures and taking aim with the bricks, God uses those same bricks to build up something in us that He intends for His glory. We can be encouraged that whatever bricks may come our way, regardless of the evil intentions associated with them, God intends something good.
When life knocks us down, we can look up, remembering who God is. His counsel to us is to leave revenge to Him (Romans12:19). He will deal with the one who throws bricks. Our part is to trust in His sovereignty. God brings restoration where the Enemy attempts ruin.
I lift up my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. Psalm 123:1 NLT
How has God used bricks hurled by the Enemy to strengthen or encourage you? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Copyright 2024 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Such a good reminder that what someone means to harm us, God will use for good. Reminds me of the old saying, “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” If we get angry, We are the ones we hurt. We need to let God revenge evil because He alone knows everything about everyone. He knows our hearts and He will punish appropriately. AND He Will punish. We don’t need to worry! Thank you Phyllis for this reminder!
Thanks for stopping by and reading, Sherri.
Thank you for the reminder that God never fails, forsakes, or leaves. And He is always fighting for us. Prayers for you!
Thank you, Joni
Thanks for the reminder! When the enemy tries to knock me down with his bricks; I trust God, He never fails!
Thank you, Kathie. You are so right. He never fails.