You probably know by now that I like making comparisons when I write. There are so many lessons in life just waiting to be discovered if we would only pay attention to what’s right before our eyes! We are all a work in progress being molded and refined! Although much of that process can be painful it is all about the end result.
Take a Potter for example… he must first prepare the clay by a process called wedging, which is mixing and removing air bubbles. This can be a lengthy process. Next he can form the clay by using a wheel or slab. Then the clay must be dried until it reaches the leatherhard stage. This stage is the Potters last chance to change the shape, trim, and add decorative details. After more drying the piece is ready to be fired in the kiln. The temperature of the kiln must be gradually increased. Firing too fast can cause the piece to explode. Once the first firing is done the piece can be glazed and fired again bringing it luster and shine!
Our Father in Heaven is like the Potter. He desires for all His children to have those experiences that will mold them and shape them into one of His most beautiful creations. He desires for all mankind to shine with the beauty of righteousness. He knows that this refining process that mortality brings to all of us will eventually bring us the greatest Eternal joy possible. He wants that for each of us because He loves us deeply.
I know personally, the pain of being refined as I am certain you do too. But…. it really helps me to endure when I understand my Father’s plan for me and put my trust in that plan. I know that I am slowly becoming that person He wants me to become. Prayer and faith in Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ can give us the strength to allow our challenges and trials to refine and mold us into a great and beautiful masterpiece, at the hand of the Master!
In Zechariah 13:8-9 we read:
“And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.”
You are a Glorious work in progress!
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