Take a close look at the intricate design above. Did you notice the artist’s medium? Corks!
And look at what some clever soul did with some old tires.
And how about this stemware rack? Quite the creative use for a discarded garden rake.
All three of these projects are examples of upcycling—the process of converting useless products and waste materials into new products of higher quality or value than the original.
On a much grander scale, consider: those of us who know Jesus have also been upcycled.
“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.
The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
– 2 Corinthians 5:17
And what does that new, upcycled life include?
- The opportunity for intimacy with Almighty God
- A fresh perspective on life
- Strength to face whatever might happen
- A glorious certainty for the future
- A deep sense of peace and joy that circumstances cannot destroy
And that’s just the beginning of the list.
Just as resourceful people are able to upcycle any number of materials, God can use everything in our lives:
- Every relationship
- Every situation
- Every trial
- Every hurt
- Even every failure
No matter what we go through, God can upcycle the experience to create something worthwhile. Good things like: 1) important life-lessons, 2) steps in his carefully orchestrated plan for our lives, and 3) a positive influence upon others.
Nothing is wasted in God’s economy.
–Bill Wilson
(founder of Alcoholics Anonymous)
Paul expressed the same truth in scripture:
“God is able to orchestrate everything
to work toward something good and beautiful
when we love him and accept his invitation
to live according to his plan.”
–Romans 8:28, The Voice, italics added)
The inconsequential bits of our lives are never wasted in God’s economy either. For example: He uses every good deed, every exercise of self-discipline, every effort to keep peace, to mold us into better people and to minister to others.
And then there is the trash of our lives—those circumstances and relationships we wish never had happened. Even the trash is upcycled:
Wailing becomes dancing (Psalm 30:11)
Tears become joy (Psalm 126:5),
Ashes become beauty,
Despair becomes praise (Isaiah 61:3),
The crooked roads become straight (Luke 3:5),
Darkness becomes light (1 Peter 2:9).
Someone very clever expressed it this way:
Does that mean we sit and wait while God turns our tears of disillusionment to joy? The ashes of disappointment into something beautiful? The crooked road of bad choices into a straight, smooth path?
No, God honors us by allowing us to participate in the upcycling process.
“Always work enthusiastically for the Lord,
for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT
Let’s strive to choose the next “best thing” before us, and let God upcycle the results!
(Photo credits: www.winecorkdesigns.com; http://www.newscentral.exsees.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.mediawebapps.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Beautiful! How glorious is His mercy and grace towards us! Thank you for this encouragement, Nancy!
Indeed, God IS incredibly merciful and gracious to use us for divine purposes and even give meaning to the hardships in life. Praise God! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Love this post, Nancy! I like the idea of an “upcycled life.”
I have been living by Romans 8:28 for a long time now. I truly believe He doesn’t allow anything to touch my life that He is not going to use in some fashion to make me more like Christ. It doesn’t mean it won’t be painful but in the end, I will see good come from it.
I also like the thought you shared that nothing is wasted.
Thank you Jerralea. Romans 8:28 IS a glorious promise, offering great hope and encouragement! Thank you for your testimony of how its truth gives you confidence and peace of mind, because you KNOW God brings good out of all things!
This was so good!! I like the idea of an upcycled life – after I was saved I became a new creation, my old personality and character with a new and better purpose; re-shaped by the Master’s grace – yeah!!!
I like your phrase, too: re-shaped by the Master’s grace. Indeed! Thank you, Betty!
UPCYCLE! I had never heard that word before. I love the KJV of Romans 8:28; but seeing it in ‘The Voice’ version makes it more clear for me…especially this part: “when we love him and accept his invitation to live according to his plan.” The most reassuring part of this post for me is regarding the trash in our lives…that even those ugly things we have allowed into our lives can be upcycled is such a blessing. Instead of just getting rid of the trash it can be fashioned into something to glorify God. Amazing.
Indeed, the creative genius of our God, to transform trash into treasure, is amazing and wonderful! I find that truth humbling and reassuring, too!
What an encouraging post, Nancy. wow. We have a store uptown here that reuses and restores things like your photos. But I love your trash recycled tied with Bible verses. wow that is great and filled my evening with light and joy. Thank you, dear friend
Thank you, Jean. So glad I could fill your evening with light and joy!
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Thank you, Bruce!