CHANGED VALUE

If you had a choice, would you choose a quiet, peaceful life with no troubles?

I guess at FIRST thought, most of us would say a hearty “Yes, please!”

But would that be the best for us?

Let’s look at a bar of steel – a bar of steel worth $50.

Now,  if that $50 bar of steel
is cut into ordinary horseshoes, it is worth $150.

But if that $50 bar of steel
is cut into sewing needles, it is worth $3,500.

But is that $50 bar of steel
is cut into delicate watch springs,
it becomes worth $2,500,000

Another example of changed values is found in pottery.  
[see Jeremiah 18:1-6]

A lump of clay has little value.  
Depending on its treatment, it can become a wonky shape or a useful item;
it can last only a short time before crumbling or a long time.

After it has been hammered and thrown and beaten and moulded and fired
it can become an item of extremely great value and  beauty.
For the Christians.
We know that our loving Father never sends evil our way,
but we also know that evil happens.

We know that God’s purpose
is for US to be CONFORMED to the IMAGE fo CHRIST. 
[Ephesians 4:13.  Romans 8:29]

 Just as the steel bar
goes through much difficulty to become valuable watch springs;
and just as a lump of clay
is hammered and thrown and beaten and moulded and fired
to become an item of value and beauty;
and just as gold is refined in the fire to become pure gold;
just so,
we are being CONFORMED as we undergo troubles and tribulations,
in His strength and enabling. 
God uses these times to “mature” us, bringing us closer to Christlikeness. 

I cannot say that I am glad when storm clouds come;
When days and nights are burdensome and long.
I like the peacefulness of sunny days,
When life is bright and in my heart’s a song.

And yet, I know the wisdom I have learned
Or any courage that my life displays
Was never gained in golden sunlit hours,
But rather grew from dark and stormy days.

I’ve felt God’s presence closer mid the storm
As I relied on Him to guide my way,
And through my trials found a stronger faith
Enabling me to better face each day.

And so, I would not ask God NOT to send
Those testings fashioned by His loving hand;
For ALL things work together for my good
And things once questioned, now I understand.
(author unknown)

The darker the night, the brighter the stars;
the hotter the fire, the purer the gold.
Where there are no trials, there are no triumphs.