Removing the covers!
by Cath Taylor
When we first moved to Florida we were given a rather old fashioned pair of sofas. As the sofas were excellent quality but just not our style, we decided to disguise them with modern sofa covers. They looked great, but took up lots of time each day re-arranging and adjusting them trying to keep them in place. Despite being washed many times, after 3 years of being sat on by the family and the dog, the covers were officially dead! No cushion, throw or pillow was going to pretend otherwise! So, a few months ago, I pulled off the covers and tossed them in the trash.
This got me thinking. How much do we hide ourselves under cushions, blankets and covers trying to be something that we aren't - trying to fit other people's expectations or ‘likes’? Maybe we have produced our own covers because we really dislike what’s underneath and we feel ashamed and afraid that the real ‘me’ isn't good enough.
It’s scary, but just too easy to do! Instead of allowing the Lord to reveal the truth of our hearts, we cover it over and pretend it’s not there. Whatever’s underneath - jealousy, bitterness, pride, a hunger for love and acceptance, greed, a deep search for significance and worth, judgment and criticism (the list goes on...) - God wants us to be real. He wants us to come to Him in truth - flaws and all.
What a relief to give up the pretence and the sheer effort of keeping ourselves covered! Jesus sees all the beauty and muck that we’ve hidden, and He accepts us. Does He want us to change? Absolutely, but we can't do it ourselves in our own strength. Only He can bring the true change to our lives, as we acknowledge our need (or repent of our sinful ways), and allow Him to transform us deep on the inside.
Today, will you ask the Lord to show you any covers you have adopted and dare to trust Him to reach underneath with His love and His truth?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I’m sorry for the times I have tried to re-create myself into someone I deem more acceptable either to You or the people in my life. Thank You that, as the craftsman of my life, You love me as your precious creation. Lord, please help me to be real. Would You show me the covers I have placed over my heart, and would You help me to begin a journey of walking in true relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Cath Taylor is the Assistant UK National Director. She joined the Ellel Grange team back in 1992 and has served with Ellel Ministries in Australia, the USA and the UK. Cath is married to Andy and they have three sons; Jake, Ben and Isaac.
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