Welcome once again. It's time for part 2 of "Season of Sharpening" I was blessed to know how part 1 of the series encouraged some of you to seek after God's presence in a better way.
For those who have not read part 1 of the blog, kindly spend 5 minutes going back and reading it. There are things you will understand in this blog at a deeper level only if you have read the previous one. That being said, you are going to be blessed with a powerful thought today and I can't wait to have you read it.
I assume that many who are reading this blog are people who are either in a place of waiting, preparing, or just desperately hungry to see God work in and through their lives. This blog will help you understand how you are never alone in your process of waiting, growing, or preparing. I believe God is with you even when you don't see Him at work.
Blog Two: While In Fire, He Is Closer Than You Think.
In yesterday's blog, I was able to explain with details about the sword making process. I mentioned how in ancient times, the chief sword-smith would stay day and night feeding the fire with coal and examining the process.
To help you understand how serious he was you need to understand his dedication to his work. He would not sleep during the whole process which would last at least 3-5 days. Because in ancient times certain Swords were custom made only for the aristocrats, the rich, and for the rulers. The sword-smith can't afford to make swords that are flawed. Therefore, the sword-smith would stay awake to keep a steady temperature up to 1500 degrees celsius in the Trough the whole time.
When we are in the Trough like experience, we are tempted to assume that God has forgotten us and has left us to struggle alone. But the fact of the matter is, although the metal is being formed in such immense pressure of fire the sword-smith can be found tirelessly working to perfect the metal. The sword-smith has not taken leave until the metal is perfected. God is with you today in your most difficult times and He will be there with you one day when you will turn out to become the finest sword the world has ever seen.
LUKE.1:26-31
'In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you! ” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.'
Mary, the mother of Jesus, one of the most powerful women of the Bible understood how God was with her even in the most fierce situation.
She might have had many questions. How is it normal to be pregnant when I have had no relationship with a man? How will the people, my community, and my family go on to understand me? How will Joseph my fiance believe in me? Her situation of the burning Trough was different and perhaps more challenging than any of us.
But our God is not a God who would place us in the Trough like situation and leave us clueless. His promise for Mary through the Angel was very clear.
"Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!
Mary would have had her challenges, but what kept her strong is the promise that God gave her before she entered the burning Trough. When she believed that God was with her, she saw everything work for her good. As Mary got busy trusting God and the process He is leading her into, God was busy bringing things in her favor.
God speaks to Joseph and now Mary has him by her side to support her. Later in the story, we also see how Elizabeth welcomes Mary and has special moments with God. You realize it or not, God is closer than you think.
How I experienced God as Emmanuel.
There has been a time in my life when I experienced the burning Trough when I moved 2000km away from my family and friends. During this time my mind was so full of voices of disappointment. I was not able to hear the promise God had given me as He gave to Mary.
I knew all the theories about how God was with me in my lonely times and what is the meaning of the word Emmanuel, etc. I grew up in the atmosphere of church and pastors so I had no lack of that information. During this time I was looking for other sources to fill the vacuum of my heart. For the most part, everything that I tried to depend on disappointed me big time.
It was in this season of my life I began to experience God as Emmanuel. Things began to change in my life when I began to taste and see how God was with me more than ever before. In circumstances when we are getting trained and molded it's possible that we will start feeling that God is never in the process of our making. The truth is God is more involved in our process than we are.
I don't know the process you are going through. Most people you are surrounded by may not understand you. And the availability of people for you in this season may be little or never. But remember, this is a time and season designed for only between you and your maker.
Our temptation is to complain, stay disappointed, or give up. But, the season of sharpening has only begun my friend. Hold on and trust in the master who is closer than you think.
How about we pray a prayer together!
Dear, Abba.
Thank you for making us understand that you are Emmanuel. We are not alone in our process. While we are in the process of growing in quality and in strength. You are equally working to perfect us as the best. We let go of our disappointments and our constant doubts.
Today, I say yes to the Trough experience and I know You are closer than we think you are.
In Jesus' name! Amen!
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