Proverbs 17:3; 27:21. The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. … The crucible is for
silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.
Sarah starts today’s devotional with, “Thank Me in the midst
of the crucible.” Webster defines a
crucible as (1) a vessel of a very refractory material (as porcelain) used for
melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat, (2) a
severe test, or (3) a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact
to cause or influence change or development. As it is with definitions, you
have to frequently look up other words in order to understand the original
word. For me it was the word “calcining,” which is what is accomplished when
the high heat is applied and volatile material is driven off (burnt,
evaporated, etc…).
Pressure and Heat…. I don’t think most of us like this. And
having things burnt off sounds even less appealing. Isn’t it any wonder that
people, in general, resist change or desire to take the status quo path. After
all, it’s the one we’ve grown comfortable with. But the reality is in this
world we will have troubles or difficult times, and God uses these difficulties
to grow us as He shapes the final outcome perfectly.
This time last year was one of our biggest “crucible” weeks,
starting with Sunday, climaxing on Thursday, confirmed on Friday, and followed
through with on the next Sunday. The temperature (circumstances and pressures) had
been increasing over a couple of months as our church was facing severe restructuring
and staff reductions. There had been several points during this season that
gave rise to questioning God’s leading for us, but we had no clear answer. But
then came Mother’s Day last year and a sermon on eclipse seasons when it seems
that we don’t hear or receive direction from God though we know He is still
very present and working. Robin and I had been asking His leading, but we had
no answer. After the service I drove home without the radio on and pretty much
told God that I wanted to hear from Him, that I needed to know what He wanted.
Well, the week that followed was full of His answering. He
spoke through some meetings that raised questions. He spoke through my
preparation to teach that week’s class on Spiritual Gifts, and even looking at
how my service, though productive, really wasn’t in line with how He had gifted
me. He spoke through a favorite radio pastor, David Jeremiah, who was speaking on
recognizing open doors. And it culminated in opening a new devotional for the
first time (Jesus Calling) through which he spoke loud and clear. As Robin and
I talked and prayed we knew God had given us an answer, one that had we not
been in this particular crucible we most likely would not have made.
The next day we heard the other half of Dr. Jeremiah’s message, which was that once you go through the door things generally don’t get easier. This was not new to us. The reality is that they often don’t get easier because there is also an evil one who does not want us to trust and follow our God, and who will try all he can to throw up opposition. But the big truth is that regardless of the opposition, our God is bigger and what He started He will bring to pass. Our responsibility is to walk in dependence and trust, taking the steps that He sets before us and staying tuned to His leading and even His shaping us in that direction.
The next day we heard the other half of Dr. Jeremiah’s message, which was that once you go through the door things generally don’t get easier. This was not new to us. The reality is that they often don’t get easier because there is also an evil one who does not want us to trust and follow our God, and who will try all he can to throw up opposition. But the big truth is that regardless of the opposition, our God is bigger and what He started He will bring to pass. Our responsibility is to walk in dependence and trust, taking the steps that He sets before us and staying tuned to His leading and even His shaping us in that direction.
Our God is gracious, merciful, and compassionate and He will
take care of His.
Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/13)
Thank Me in the midst of the
crucible. When things seem all wrong, look for growth opportunities.
Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My
able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are
you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying
to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you
deify your desires.
Be on the lookout for what I am
doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking Me in all
circumstances.
Humble yourselves, therefore,
under God’s mighty hand, that he made that you up in due time. Cast all your
anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
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