“The Lord said, ‘See I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of adversity.’”          Isaiah 48:10 (NRSV)

I love to travel. Most of all I love to read about and visit historical places around the United States, especially those important in our colonial past. In my travels, I have visited Williamsburg, Virginia a few times. I love the reenactments and the opportunity to watch the artisans of colonial Williamsburg demonstrating their craft.

On one trip, I remember watching a silversmith as he made jewelry. The intense heat he placed the raw, precious metal into made the metal pliable which allowed the craftsman to mold and shape the silver into whatever he wanted: a ring, a necklace, earrings, etc. The possibilities were plentiful. 

That day, I purchased a simple, silver ring for $5. A hammered silver band. It has smooth silver on the back and the wider front is textured with hammer marks. I wear that ring almost every day and am always surprised at the compliments I receive on this simple, $5 souvenir ring. 

When I read today’s verse, that silver ring is the first thing that came to mind. That simple, inexpensive ring which was molded and made beautiful by a caring craftsman. It was shaped while in extreme heat by applying great pressure. This is comparable to my own life. My simple, non-extravagant life is formed and made beautiful each day by the greatest craftsman of all: God. In the furnace of everyday adversity, I am made more beautiful and useful in His sight.

It is so hard to see the positive results of adversity: the pressures and pains we experience throughout life. But through our struggles, God is refining us for a greater purpose. 

Some days the heat seems hotter than others – truly unbearable – and at other times it is just uncomfortable. Through it all, God is with us. 

So whatever furnace of adversity you find yourself in today know the end result is in our original craftsman’s hands and it will be beautiful!

So I say, bring it on! Turn up the heat – God isn’t finished with me yet!