Life Has Sharp Edges

Let’s face it, life is full of sharp edges. From the stubbed toes of parenting to emotional paper cuts at work, to unexpected jabs from relationships, it can leave us feeling bruised. But here’s the thing—those sharp moments often do the shaping. They refine us, reveal our resilience, and remind us that we're growing.

Life isn’t always smooth. Sometimes it pokes, cuts, and stings. But through those sharp edges, God shapes us, strengthens us, and reminds us we’re not alone in the mess.

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) – “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

Ever stepped on a LEGO in the middle of the night? That’s real pain. But life hands us way bigger jabs—stress, busyness, expectations, even the grind of “just getting through the day.” These edges can wear us down... or wake us up.

Life’s interruptions and challenges rarely come scheduled. A flat tire, a tough conversation, a bad health report—they hit like a jab to the ribs.

Sometimes you can be going along just fine, and suddenly you have to replace your A/C or even cancel weekend plans because someone gets sick.

These moments are chances to slow down and ask, “Lord, what are you shaping in me through this?”

We have moments that take a jab at us, but they help us grow a bit more.

Words are powerful, and they can be some of the sharpest edges in life. Whether it’s a stranger’s comment or a friend’s criticism, they can cut deep.

We often hold tight to the words we hear, and we can often let them shape who we are. But instead of letting those words define us, we can ask God to use them to refine us.

When you’re hurt, pause before reacting. Respond with grace—or at least with quiet.

This helps us to process and speak with grace and mercy, or at least respond in a quiet, confident way, guided by God.

The truth is that every close relationship has sharp edges—misunderstandings, unmet expectations, or just two strong-willed people trying to coexist.

But tension can be a tool God uses to teach love, patience, and forgiveness.

Is there a relationship where God might be sharpening something in you?

Life can hit us out of no where, have you been going along with life and suddenly felt like something's off? Sometimes the job, the schedule, or even our calling feels uncomfortable—like wearing shoes a size too small.

This can cause confusion, but we need to make sure we are praying and asking for clarity and peace.

Discomfort isn’t always a signal to quit—it could be God stretching you.

Growth rarely happens in cozy, predictable places.

Change changes things…

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) – “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

Think about your favorite knife in the kitchen—sharp, reliable, ready for use. It wasn’t always that way. It started out as a piece of metal that had to be shaped, forged, honed, and handled with care. Same goes for us. God shapes and hones us, and that can be done through the edges in life where God is using things to shape us for a purpose.

Something else that shapes us is maturing and growing, both physically and spiritually…

My kids, over the years, have told me that their legs or backs hurt, and I’ve learned that when they tell me that, they are most likely growing. Sure enough, that has been the case. Growth can be painful.

Maybe you’ve outgrown a friendship, a hobby, or even an attitude. That stretch can feel jagged. That pain is real, but there is a reason behind it, and God often uses these situations to teach us new things.

We need to trust the process. God is always working behind the discomfort.

We’ve all been the difficult one in the room at some point. Face it we just get grumpy and blunt.

Think of how many times your tired self has barked at someone.

Vulnerability is risky—it exposes our sharp, unfinished places.

But the people who stay after seeing our rough edges? Those are gifts from God.

Grace isn’t just something we receive—it’s something we also learn to give… especially to ourselves.

God strengthens our faith and endurance in many ways.

Just like metal is forged in fire, our strength is formed in the heat of challenge.

Can you look back on a painful season and see what it produced?

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) – “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

You know those people who seem strong but soft, grounded but kind? They didn’t get there by accident. They’ve been sharpened by life—and by the grace of God.

What if these edges aren’t here to break us, but to prepare us?

We can let our sharp edges harm… or help. Ask God to help you use your experiences to serve, not to wound.

Our scripture for today, Proverbs 27:17, reminds us how important community is and how those around us sharpen us.

Friends who challenge your thinking, or a spouse who calls you higher. We don’t need to fear this or run from the sharpening. Lean into it with trust. God gives us community.

God wants to use our experiences, pain, and imperfections to build something meaningful.

What sharp edge in your life could God be turning into strength—one that will not only change who you are, but also sharpen others around you?

Sometimes the sharpest thing about us is the thing God softens the most over time.

We all have something that we hold tight to—something we don’t want to let go of because it’s what makes us feel secure. Think of an old habit, or even how you used to react, that God has slowly worn down and changed in you over time.

That is God shaping and refining. And this is constantly happening, as He walks with us to help us move more into walking out His character and being more like Him.

You’re not just being shaped—you’re being prepared.

Sharp edges are part of the journey. They're not signs that you’re broken—just that you're being shaped. Don’t fear the uncomfortable moments. God is making something strong and useful in you.

Life has sharp edges, but grace is the handle that helps us hold it together.

Remember, you’re not alone in the sharpening—God is always present in the shaping. Let’s keep walking together, one sharpened moment at a time.