"in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord," Ephesians 2:21 NKJV

"in whom the whole structure is joined [bound, welded] together harmoniously; and it continues to rise [grow, increase] into a holy temple in the Lord - a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated and sacred to the presence of the Lord." Eph. 2:21 AMP

Have you ever watched a house or building go up? It takes precision, muscle and team work. I think of the Amish barn builders who gather the community to raise a barn. The work is meticulously done in a short period of time. The saying, too many cooks spoil the broth does not apply here.

Every person is used to bring about a close to perfect product. 

There is no room for error, except that perfection is only found in Jesus. God builds us with strength and an ability that we have not seen this side of heaven. The idea of welding  adds a new dimension to the picture. The metals melt into each other so that the bond is as tight as possible.

Harmony paints us a picture of voices or instruments coming together to make one melodious sound. It is layered with many tones that mature into a new voice. It also comes through hard work, and toil. It is the inner man relinquishing control to make a Godly melody. I wish I could tell you that it doesn't hurt.  

The pain speaks of life. My own will that still lives. I wish I could pray it away, or wish it away but none of these ideas work. There is gain in the pain. As always God uses everything to make us more like him. Laying down our needs and our own useless ways is where life abundantly begins.

God says you are a sanctuary, sacred to him. If God feels this way about us, how much more should we be acceptable to ourselves. He doesn't have any bad feelings toward his obedient children. He loves us and his word demonstrates this truth over and over again. He sings over us with joy. Zephaniah 3:17

We can be thankful to God for the good work he is doing in our hearts. Our trust in him is essential to our growth. Sometimes we don't see the work in our own hearts as clearly as others can. We can rest because He is a good Father and he is making us like His Son.