‘…we are all the work of your hand’ Isaiah 64:8

Out of the earth, we are pulled for a purpose; Yet raw and impure, we are found. 

Only by way of the forge, can our lives be refined down to their true value. 

But making sense of the fiery furnaces in our lives can be a difficult thing. For me, this was mainly due to the belief I held that being forged in fire was punishment for my wrongdoings; That each misstep I made resulted in a deserving consequence… a sort of hell on earth. 

I would link hard things in my life back to my transgressions; convincing myself that because of my actions, struggles came to myself and those around me.

It was a heavy weight to carry; one that was clouded by confusion and defeat.

The truth is, like a vice, habitual sins in our lives do in fact, carry consequence and keep us in a holding pattern.

However, the intent of the fires are not to chastise, but to cleanse; not to discipline, but to develop and deliver us.

When we fall, the Maker picks us up, examines us, and identifies our weak spots. He then intently places us into the heat; through which our impurities are extracted.

And while I cried out for relief during these periods of my life, in many instances, it was my own stubbornness that was keeping me there.

I can remember many vices and idols throughout my life that I held tightly; knowing full well they weakened me, but finding comfort in them.

Then like a negotiator, I would be agreeable to give up some, but not all.

And ‘some’ is just not good enough if we are ever to achieve our best. 

The only answer to my condition, was increased heat and continuous pressure; to break me apart and expel the sinful dross within me. By this, less of me, reflected more of Him.

I have learned that to trust His workmanship, vision, and blessing in my life, also meant to trust the pain and hurt that accompanies it. AW Tozer says “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”

When we allow hurt and suffering to take part in molding us, we move closer to His purpose, and blessing, for our life. Letting go of what we were and what we thought we would be; we learn to trust the process in all of its painful penance. 

It’s not punishment, it’s refinement… and it is necessary. 

Even more than necessary, it is Good; for it sharpens us. 

Let’s be real, who of us wouldn’t choose a tried and tested weapon to enter into battle with. John Eldredge says “I don’t trust a man who hasn’t suffered; I don’t let a man get close to me who hasn’t faced his wound”

Because through suffering, we have less to lose, and more to offer, on the battlefield of life; and this is good for everyone around us. 

To be a trusted weapon, means I am stronger and sharper than before; enabling me to conquer the enemy and defend the Kingdom.

But Excalibur, I am not… at least yet. And so, I must continue to be taken through the forge process.

It is a transformation I now welcome, be it reluctantly at times, because while I know the pain the fire causes, I also know the fortitude it forms. 

Those who are held by the Maker will refine their strength.

They will strike like Excalibur; they will rise and not grow weak

They will wield and not be faint.