Continued from page 11 Each person has a different role. Some help smooth rough edges. Others provide strength or support when it’s needed most. No two tools are the same, and that is exactly God’s intent. A toolbox filled with only one kind of tool is not useful. God enjoys variety—many different tools, each crafted for a specific pur - pose. Every member of His family has a function now and is scheduled to have a specific role in His King - dom to come. Once steel has taken shape, it must be strengthened. The blacksmith reheats it until it glows and then plunges it into water or oil to harden it. But left in that state, the steel is brittle and subject to breaking under pressure. To prevent this, the black- smith tempers it by reheating it at a lower temperature and allowing it to cool slowly. This tempering process removes brittleness while maintaining hardness, giving the steel enough flexibility to withstand stress. The result is a tool that is strong, resilient, and ready for use.
Continued from page 14 Spiritually, we reach for God’s law, heartfelt confession, genuine repen- tance, and the steady habit of prayer, Bible study and fasting. Hebrews 4:12 declares: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God is our all-powerful Father. He has provided everything we need to resist the roaring lion. Let us ear- nestly seek Him and refuse to be trapped by the sins of this world— sins that bring only misery, slavery and death. In the second half of Romans 6:23 we are reminded “...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Claim God’s free gift, break free of the cement shoes and run towards your ultimate potential.
God works the same way with us, just read I Peter 4:12–13: Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. In the same way, God—the Master Blacksmith—allows Christians to go through fiery trials. When you face a difficult test, ask God for the strength to endure. These experienc- es soften us, strip away hardness, and build resilience. Each strike of His hammer is deliberate, shaping His people into vessels of strength, beauty, and purpose—tools ready for His great work.
19
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator