Crucibles - Part 1

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

Guidance When Making Decisions - Part 2

We all have to make decisions in every aspect of our lives.

We are continuing with the 4 remaining steps in dealing with guidance when making decisions.

5. Discover whether there are any ethical or moral principles involved in the decision you are going to make.

As moral and ethical agents, it is our duty to see things for what they are. If something requires you to tell little “white” lies… pass it up! If you have to fudge on your taxes… give it up! If you have to hide anything or not be quite honest… or if you are just embarrassed by doing it because of the ethics involved… then this is not something that you want to do or get into.

6. Seek wise counsel from experienced people.

When confused about making a decision, even after researching it and analyzing your own motives, seek help. There is nothing new under the sun. There are many people who are experienced in what you are trying to decide. Look to those who are successful in that field or in that decision. Don’t look to those who failed because you want to look up… not down… you want to move up… not down… so you look to those who have progressed and are succeeding in what you are considering. They will be able to tell you their ups and downs and what to watch out for and whether you are even the type of person to be able to do this. They can also give you counsel on what the best route is to your success.

7. Look for providences – divinely ordained circumstances that indicate which way you should go.

These “providences” are like sign posts helping us in the process of the decision. They DO NOT take the place of morals, ethics, God, sound judgment or good common sense. They just assist us in the decision making process.

There was a time when I sang only to myself. Many people heard me and would say that I am meant to be an evangelist of music. I would just “pshaw” them off and wouldn’t sing for the Lord. 10 years I refused to sing in public for God. Over that time, many “providences” happened, recording artists would comment about me possibly singing professionally, circumstances would make it where that was the only thing that I had left that I could physically do, doors opened to sing, etc… I finally listened and have been singing publicly now for over 10 years and I know that it is my calling to sing Christian music professionally. So, now, I go around to wherever God calls…. A church calls me, a bakery, whatever, and I sing because I know that that is what I am meant to do.

What is it that you are meant to do?

8. When all the steps have been done and you have prayed about a decision, you have thought about it carefully, sought counsel, and watched for providential leadings, make the wisest decision possible believing that you are being lead in the right path.

Decisions must be made in every part of our lives.  Don't put it off, don't fret, don't panic.  Use the steps above to assist you and then make the decisions that need to be made knowing that you have done your very best and walk in faith of that decision.

Join me next week as we learn about "Crucibles", what they are and how to deal with them when we are in them.