It's true, though it did not start out this way, the title of the weekly blog has become a word game and a prayer -- "God give me a word that depicts the fresh thing you are speaking to me through Kay's book and your Word this week (and if it can rhyme, that would be awesome!)".
So "crucible" -- A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial. We all have faced, or are facing, or will face our "crucible."
My stepson just trained last summer for 13 solid intense weeks to be a United States Marine, and at the end of that time, in order to prove that he could stand strong and face what lay ahead as a Marine, his last test was called "The Crucible." It called for strength beyond what he mentally thought that he had to give, and demanded even physical stamina that he had never known before, which together would prepare him for the tasks ahead. Those who passed the test, by refusing to give up, were honored and given the opportunity to serve their country -- I am proud to say that Brant was one!
God's Word teaches us similarly and prepares us so aptly to face our trials, but facing the "crucible" is still a feat because it goes against our nature! Paul says to "count it joy when you face trials" and that is just not natural or normal! I don't think Brant woke up on that last morning while it was still dark, and upon facing this 54 consecutive hours of training called "The Crucible" exclaimed, "I am so excited to experience this excruciating test of a lifetime". I do know, however, that because he loves the Lord and trusts Him that he willingly walked through what he was asked to do, knowing it was for a purpose, and asked for God's help to make it through to the finish line, and he counted on Him to see him through, while giving it everything he had.
We must do the same if we have any hope of making it through! We must not give up! We must walk straight ahead and ask God for the help we need and trust that He is our refuge and has a plan even when we cannot see it! I love Ps 9:9-10, "The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; and those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You". We can count on Him as we face our "crucibles" of life!
I was so thrilled to be able to talk with several ladies throughout this week who in our conversation were reminded that the trial is not the end, but the means to the end! God uses the tough times to make us more like Him. We must embrace the cross, or "kiss the cross" as Kay put it and be willing to identify with Christ in His suffering, even though that does not come naturally. He absolutely IS enough for us to make it through! And He is watching! II Chronicles 16:9 says that "His eyes are searching back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are loyal to Him, so that He can show His great power in helping them!" He wants us to succeed -- He wants us to get to the other side of our "crucible" so that we can brag on Him -- He wants to "show off" His great power in helping us! But we must be willing to walk through anticipating the great lessons we will learn because of it!
On the other side of my own personal "crucible" I certainly do not say "I would like to do that again!" I DO, however, say if I had to experience it all over again, I would not want it any other way because of the lessons I learned, the discipline that developed, and the testimony in my heart to God's faithfulness (Ps 9:9-10 is very true!). I learned an invaluable lesson that I probably only could have learned through a "crucible" -- in my darkest moment, out of desperation, I learned to "choose not to focus on my unbelievable circumstances, but rather to focus on my unbelievable God!" If you begin rehearsing all the unbelievable things about God (and even list them), it does not take very long to change your perspective, and that is what God has always wanted -- our eyes on Him as we make our way through this world to one day see, and finally know, Him face to face!
So as my best-best would say, "focus up!"
Debbie Harris
QUIET TIME AGAIN in SUMMER 10
www.shadowmountain.org
http://blogs.shadowmountain.org/women
PS I've heard from many of you via email, but the blog has been rather quiet -- I'm just going to assume that you are so busy enjoying Kay's book and God's Word that you haven't gotten to it, and that is ok!