The Blacksmith

A TV show that I watch sometimes is called “Forged in Fire.” It is about a group of 4 blacksmiths that compete to see who can create the best sword based on various factors such as sharpness, durability, and ease of use.

They do this by heating pieces of steel until the metal becomes soft enough for shaping with hand tools, such as a hammer, an anvil and a chisel. By sculpting, bending, cutting, flattening, and hammering the metal, the blacksmith crafts exactly the shape he wants. The sword is then brought up to its highest temperature and is rapidly cooled by putting it in a liquid like water, salt, or oil.

This is a satisfying process to watch on TV but it is also the process that we go through in life. Every one of us will go through the fire of life’s trials whether it’s physical, financially, emotional, or relational. Some problems we bring upon ourselves by the decisions we make, and some problems arise that are simply outside of our control.

Just like the fire that heats up the steel for the blacksmith to shape, God will allow hard times to test our faith and make us stronger. So the question is how will we respond in the moments when we are experiencing the fire of life’s trials?

This is how the apostle James, the brother of Jesus, answers that question. He says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

When I first read this, I found it strange that James tells us to consider it pure joy when we go through trials. But he says this because he knows that this is the way God grows us and develops us. Rather than running and quitting on the mission, the key is to endure through it and allow the fire to complete its work.

The Bible says that Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before him. (Hebrews 12:2) Therefore, when I feel overwhelmed by the problems of life and tempted to give up on the mission God has given me, I will find the joy and remember that God has a great future ahead of me. With each trial, I am being shaped into a stronger version of myself and molded into the image of Christ by the Heavenly Blacksmith.

“God doesn’t give the toughest battles to the strongest soldiers, He creates the toughest soldiers out of life’s hardest battles.” -Unknown

The Bigger Picture: Don’t run from the fire because God will use it to shape and mold you into an instrument for His glory.