Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

Ponder It.
How has God changed your life?
What is something you have left in the past?
What is something you are anticipating for your future?

Receive It.
Tracing is difficult. You must start with a pattern and follow it closely. The same is true with restoration. You’re trying to recreate something. You don’t want to betray the original. The same is true with us. We are God’s masterpieces, but in order to become more like Him, we have to know Him. It’s a process. We’re constantly uncovering, tracing, and restoring who we believe He is and, therefore, who He created us to be. We were created in His image, and He is constantly transforming us. But we have to focus, not because we’re responsible for the work. God does the work of transformation. But our job is essential to the process. We have to yield. We have to pay attention, listen to His instruction, watch for the fulfillment of His promises. He wants us to become, and that takes time, effort, humility, and willingness.

You don’t have to live up to the standard of who God will transform you into someday. Stop comparing yourself to who you can or should become. You’re not there yet. You’re not prepared for that step. If you focus too much into the future, you miss out on the step God wants you to take today. You miss out on the preparation He has planned for you, the preparation that will lead you where you need to be and give you what you need when you reach each of your tomorrows. Let God take care of assessing your life. He has the best vantage point. He is the original artist, so He’s the best possible option to restore you into the masterpiece He has planned.

Live It.
Write as many words that describe God as you can. You can include names or adjectives, anything that reveals who He is. Write for at least one minute. Knowing God better helps you trust Him more. Knowing Him better helps you know Him better. Knowing Him better challenges you to rely on Him as He transforms you into His masterpiece.