At this time in our World, we are encountering more and more extreme negative situations and extreme sinfulness. In these last days, “…For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” ~ Ephesians 6:12

I am not exempt in theses struggles of today. This website was the positive light during a very dark time in my life. As such is the meaning of the Crucible…

By definition, a crucible is a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures; like for fusing metals or other high temperature chemical reactions. While crucibles historically were usually made from clay, it can be made from any material that withstands temperatures high enough to melt or otherwise alter its contents. Typically when melting precious metals like gold and silver, the heating process enables impurities to rise to the top of the crucible whereby they can be removed and the process repeated until such clarity is in the liquid metals that a clean and clear reflection is shown.

Another meaning of the word is a very significant and difficult trial or test; a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new. God allows crucibles in our lives that may introduce a time or tribulation of great severity; however what we don’t often realize is that the Most High, All-Knowing, Omnipotent God in Heaven, is also allowing different and new life elements to react so that something new in us is formed. That ‘something new’ is the character of Jesus Christ. We are being transformed by the power of Christ as we learn to depend on Him during our Crucible. In the end, as we are being altered and purified through the fires of the trial, and our sinful impurities are being skimmed away, slowly, surely and repeatedly, Christ’s character will be what is reflected in us when it is all said and done.

So Saints, when you are going through any manner of crucibles in your lives, please know that it is allowed by God and for your good so that you will come out of it in a better state than when you came into it. Also know that your testimony of how God brought you through it will be strength and encouragement for the next brother or sister who is going through their own similar crucible. And as you come through the transformation changed into a new creature in Christ, give ALL GLORY TO GOD for what He has done. Never forget the good things he has done for us. Psalm 103:1-2 NLT ~ “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”

Try to see the Joy in the end result, rather than the pain during the purification process. In the book of James, chapter 1, verses 2-4; we are told about the way to ‘profit from our trials’ – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Please reflect on the following verses in God’s Holy Word and take them as the bread of life. For David reflected in Psalm 119:103-109 ~ “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as you promised. Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations. My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions.”

May God Bless You And Shine His Face Upon You; Before, During And After Your Crucible

– Bro. Los, VerseShirts.Faith Steward

1 peter 1:6-7 ~ “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

Zechariah 13:9 ~ “I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”

Proverbs 17:3 ~ “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.”

Isaiah 48:10 ~ “I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.”

Malachi 3:2-4 ~ “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.”

Revelation 3:18-19 ~ “So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”