T H E C R U C I B L E !
No Body Said That It Would Be Easy!
Every one of us has to go through some type of crucible in our lives at one time or another or multiple times. It is what we do in the midst of the crucible and how we come through it that will decide what kind of person we will be and what lies ahead of us. What is a crucible? A crucible is a severe test of your patience and belief. It is a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development. This crucible journey isn’t a pleasant one because it challenges everything you think you are BUT it is necessary.
Imagine that you are on a path that is stretching way out before you out into the distance. You don’t see the end but you know that the end of your crucible journey, to get where you want to be, is there. As you check it out closer, you see some areas where the path roughly goes up into a mountainous peak, then other times, it goes down, into a desperate valleys. You see that it branches off and zigzags. At the zig and the zag there are ridges where the path breaks off and danger lies ahead. You see others in your life on this path, some leading you one way, some another way… there is only one right path, so which way do you go to reach the desired end?
The right path is called the right path because it leads you to the right destination… your goal or where you want to go. It is also called the right path because it keeps you in harmony with the right Person… God. It is also called the right path because it trains you to be the right kind of person and then it is called the right path because it gives you the right history to be able to share with others who are struggling on their crucible paths as well.
How Do We Get Through The Journey?
1. The Undesired Detour - The Valley – It would be nice to have a path that goes beautifully around soft grass with wildflowers, deer in the meadows, etc… however, this is not that type of path. This path is a valley of danger that can either destroy you physically, mentally, emotionally, or even destroy your dreams, hopes, and goals of what you want to accomplish. This path is not a good place to visit but it is necessary. It is a valley, so flashfloods may come, snow storms and blizzards, it has ravines, wadis, it is narrow and at times, no light comes through because of how deep the valley can get.
During this time, you may experience fear, trepidation, anxiety, insecurity, unsurety, etc… You have trouble making decisions during that time. However, this valley is necessary for all of us to go through in order to learn not to be afraid.
2. People in your life – Throughout our lives we will inevitably have enemies. How we deal with them makes all the difference. On your path, you see people in your life, loved ones and enemies. Love ones may mean well and may try to pull you off of the path. Some will encourage you to stay on the path that you are on. Enemies who mean you harm may try to pull you off the path. Keeping our eyes on the prize of our goal(s) and focusing on staying on that path is important. Enemies will get in the way to distract you. If possible, destroy that enemy by making him your friend. Otherwise, don’t return hate for hate, just keep on moving towards your goal. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to continue moving forward to reach your goal.
3. Carry promises on your journey or Positive Affirmations – When we are in the valley and surrounded by enemies, it is tempting to believe and feel that we are alone… WE ARE NOT! Feelings can be deceptive and during those times are when our faith and our loves ones come into play. For those who are Christians, take Bible Promises with you on your journey and believe they are trustworthy. Take the goodness of the loved ones with you on your journey to be nourishment for you on the way. Bask in the sunlight of positive thinking and speaking. Although you are continuing to pursue your goals on your journey, learn to have fun too!
4. Beware of the dangers of zig (lack of morals) and zag (lack of ethics). They try to take you to your goal a back around way that will eventually lead you off into a deep ravine that you cannot climb out of, thus missing your true goal in the true form that you so strived for.
Those who are finally victorious will have seasons of terrible perplexity and trial in all aspects of their life. But, do not cast away your confidence; this is a part of the discipline to grow you into your goal. It is essential so that the dross will be strained away and the only thing left is the pure gold. Because you overcame grievous taunts, obstacles, dangers, etc… with your morals and ethics still in tact, you are made stronger and more prepared to qualify for the goal that you have succeeded in and are now mature enough to handle the responsibilities of its success.
Keep looking up the mountain to the eventual ending of your quest. Do not look back, do not look down. Down just shows the difficulties that you had to overcome and you may slip back by taking your eyes off of the path. You will have some loved ones who will give a helping hand, accept it. You will have some friends that will give words of encouragement, gain simple confidence from it.
As you continue and go further and further on your journey, being victorious over valleys, zig and zag through the crucible, you become more trustful and hopeful that you will reach the end. Your character will be formed into one that is greatly desired and highly spoken of. You will be uplifted, ennobled, and fit for the dream that you strove so hard for. And in the end, the crucible would have been worth going through because of the outcome.
Join me again this week as we cover “Crucibles” Part - 2