Lessons from a Shed 13

Lesson 13: Don't Spare the Shingles

Roof shingles serve two purposes, the main one being to protect the roof from the weather. Rain, hail, and snow can do a lot of damage. Shingles are the shield against the elements. The other purpose is to make the shed look good. I chose asphalt shingles for my shed because they are tough, economical, and look pretty good as well. If you ask at your local building supply store for bundles that are broken open you may get them at half-price (I did). The shingles are fine; it's just the plastic wrap that is broken. The shingles go on the roof in layers overlapping one another. They are fastened to the roof with roofing nails.

In every life, some rain must fall. Often some hail, and snow as well. This is true of the Christian life as it is of any life. The Bible says that God "causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45). We are not going to be exempt from bad things happening to us just because we are Christians. But we can have the assurance that these things will not ruin us. Like the shingles on a shed, God is above us protecting us from spiritual harm and guaranteeing our eternal salvation.

2 Corinthians 4:8,9
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Lessons from a Shed 12

Lesson 12: Install a Solid Roof

Like the walls of the shed, the roof is there to protect the contents of the shed from the elements. The roof trusses have to be strong. They have to stand up to wind and to hold up the weight of sheeting and shingles, along with snow if you live in Canada. They also have to be able to hold you up when you go on the roof to carry out repairs. I built the trusses in my driveway using 2x4s fastend together with plywood gussets that I made myself. After making the first truss, I used this as a pattern for the rest so that they all came out the same. In the end I think I came out with a pretty solid roof.

In our Christian life it is a great encouragement to know that God is our strong protector. He not only surrounds us on each side, but He also covers us. The Bible often refers to God as our shield and our strong tower. In one place there a reference to the helmet of salvation. God is our protection against the spiritual forces of evil, against bad thoughts and sinful temptations. When times are difficult, look up and be assured that the Almighty is your strong protection.

Psalm 91:4

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Lessons from a Shed 10

Lesson 10 - Making Walls

The whole purpose of a shed is to create an enclosure into which you put things that you want to keep safe and secure. The only way to do this is to build walls. Walls provide protect from the elements. Walls hide things from prying eyes. Walls discourage thieves. After I laid the foundation and the floor, my next step was to make and erect the walls. For this I selected straight (not warped) 2x4s from my stack of used lumber and overlaid this with 1/2 inch plywood sheeting. With the help of my crew (by now my wife, daughter, and son-in-law had all volunteered to assist) I quickly had the walls up.

In our spiritual life, we are protected by the Spirit of God. The Bible says, "the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore" (Psalm 125:2). As the walls of my shed surround the things inside, so God surrounds those who trust in Him, shielding them from the the devil's attackes and from temptations of the flesh. In Christ we are safe forevermore.

Psalm 139:5-6
You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.