VOICE OF TRUTH FOR TODAY
PERFECT SAND
In the early quiet of morning, before the beach awakens, a man walks the shoreline with a rake. He smooths the sand carefully, removing broken shells, rocks, and debris. When he finishes, the surface is pristine — calm, orderly, untouched. Perfect sand.
It’s beautiful… for a moment.
Before long, footprints appear. Birds pass through. Children run across it. Turtles leave gentle impressions as they bury their eggs. The once-smooth surface becomes marked by life. And suddenly, the sand is no longer “perfect” — but it is alive.
Isn’t this how we often want our own lives to look? Carefully smoothed. Protected. Undisturbed. We work hard to keep our days predictable, our plans intact, and our hearts guarded — even from God at times. Perfect sand feels safe.
But sand that is never disturbed eventually becomes lifeless.
The truth is, the very interruptions we resist may be the places God wants to bring renewal. A difficult relationship. A conversation we’ve avoided. A mindset that needs to be challenged. These “footprints” can feel inconvenient — yet they may be the very tools God uses to deepen our faith and strengthen our love.
Scripture reminds us, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). And God’s wisdom teaches us to be “willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17). This kind of surrender isn’t easy — not without the help of the Holy Spirit. But God never tires of supplying grace. Jesus continually intercedes for us (Romans 8:34), strengthening us when we feel weak.
God gently allows our “perfect sand” to be unsettled — not to harm us, but to soften our hearts and make room for life. When we release control and welcome His movement, we discover a deeper peace than perfection ever offered.
So today, when the sand shifts unexpectedly, consider laying down the rake. God is at work — and He is with you.
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Excerpt from Voice of Truth Magazine
A devotional by Stephanie J. Fincher