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Tempered.......

One of our family outings over the 4^th of July was a trip to “Old World Wisconsin.”   A series of rebuilt and restored homesteads of the 1800’s includes outfitted actors who present lessons in the history and lifestyle of those early eras of our past. My favorite spot was the blacksmith shop.     The blacksmith explained his process and did a demonstration, heating a piece of metal to red hot very quickly. Immersing it in cold water finished the cycle, and after several repeated fast heatings and fast coolings, the metal could be bent even after it was cool.    He explained that heating too fast and submerging the piece in water weakens the metal.   To make an instrument with shaped and strong steel, it needs to be heated slowly and cooled patiently.   The slower, more deliberate process tempers the metal and makes it strong .

He and I had a great discussion after his presentation, as I shared how God has done exactly the same in my own life.   I have discovered that to become a useful instrument for Him to use, the shaping and the strengthening takes both heat and time.   I’ve often wanted the heat and the trials and the shaping to go away quickly…..to experience the fast and calming effect of the cool water.    Yet, it is the slow heating and the patient cooling, not removing all of the heat too quickly, that strengthens, shapes and builds character to the glory of the Creator.

Thanks, Lord, for your patience with me.   Help me to be longsuffering.

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Isa 43:21
"The people whom I formed for Myself
Will declare My praise.”

Ps 119:73
Your hands made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.