“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary.  Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”  Ezekiel 47:12

It is an awesome thing when you realise that God is fully committed to us – and that he is willing to allow others to see our faults and mistakes, knowing that as he transforms us it will bring Him glory. It may also bring salvation to others. He changes us to show his splendour in our lives, to grow the character of his beloved Son in us. Why would we ever doubt his committment to this renovation project?
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)
Such encouraging words are also found in this recent song by Christy and Nathan Nockels, reminding us of God’s work in us, which is for His glory, not ours:

‘For Your Splendor’

I’m so concerned with what I look like from the outside;
Will I blossom into what You hope I’ll be.
Yet You’re so patient just to help me see
The blooms come from a deeper seed that You planted in me.

Sometimes it’s hard to grow when everybody’s watching,
To have your heart pruned by the one who knows best
And though I’m bare and cold, I know my season’s coming
And I’ll spring up in Your endless faithfulness.

With my roots deep in You
I’ll grow the branch that bears the fruit
And though I’m small, I’ll still be standing in the storm,
‘Cause I am planted by the river
By Your streams of living water
And I’ll grow up strong and beautiful, all for Your splendor, Lord.

So with my arms stretched out, I’m swaying to Your heartbeat.
I’m growing with the sound of Your voice calling.
You’re bringing out the beauty that You have put in me.
For Your joy and for Your glory falling.