‘I have refined you, but not as silver is refined.

Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering‘-Isaiah 48:10

Before a man can be formed, he must be heated to a malleable state

This can only be achieved through the refining fire; a fire stoked by sorrow and suffering

To face the heat of hardship can be a terrible thing; a position nobody willingly places themselves into. 

On the contrary, we naturally avoid suffering and tough situations; for which of us would willingly step into a raging fire? Sure, heat can be life-giving, but it can also be life-threatening.

Likewise, though necessary for growth, the pain and agony of life’s troubles are enough to break a man down.

And perhaps, broken down is just what is needed for our heart’s formation; for if not broken, we lean toward prideful and self-serving. Sadly, all men are naturally hard-wired to build their own empires, their own tribes, their own idols; by which we believe make us stronger.

But the reality is, to move forward, we must first let go… of the past and present dross that devalues and weakens us. 

This unhealthy sediment, hidden deep within, rises to the surface when scorching trials come; allowing for removal, renewal and reinforcement within. 

Yet, in the heat of these moments, we are often unable to recognize the work that is taking place in us. To state it bluntly, during hard times, it can feel as though we are being burnt alive.

And so we rage, resist and protest Him who placed us here. 

Why would He allow this hell to be unleashed on us? When will there be relief?

Hours can turn to days, stretching to weeks or longer; our hope seemingly burning away

Our thirsty and impatient hearts long to be quenched

And yet, while we may experience unfathomable discomfort during these times, it is undeniable, that in the fiery furnace of affliction, we undergo extraordinary transformation

Through this baptism by fire, we are… 

Purified, not corrupted

Justified, not convicted

Sanctified, not condemned

Fortified, forevermore 

So then, in the words of Winston Churchill, ‘If you are going through (the fires of) hell… keep going’

Turn from your idols, forego your comfort, boldly enter the furnace and walk amongst the flames; knowing with confidence that you will exit with no scent of smoke on you.

When you do, the Ironsmith will work you into the weapon you must become; the weapon needed to protect your kingdom and increase His.

With each refining fire we pass through, we will be further set apart. No longer crippled by temporary discomfort; Instead, willing and prepared to go through whatever is necessary to advance the front line and engage in battle.

From the depths of the furnace then, may our prayer always be…

Burn me, refine me

Form deep down inside me

A resilience, a purpose

To be of your service

Whatever you will, desire or need

Prepare me that I may be ready to lead

An army to battle, the kingdom to come

May I never forget where I first came from

From the dirt, from the dust

I was dull, ragged rust

Not a hammer, nor a knife

No, nothing…

Until You took hold of my life