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GRACE FOR THE FURNACE

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction,” Isaiah 48:10 ESV. On my very first trip into the Soviet Union during the Cold War, I was surprised to find a bright little store in an otherwise drab and grey place. We were guided to a back alley by our taxi driver, who behaved as if he were revealing a Soviet State Secret. The small shop had magnificent porcelain pottery. I bought several pieces and carefully packed them for my trip back to America. Upon arrival back home, I opened my suitcase only to find that all but one piece was broken; they had not been sufficiently heated and hardened in the kiln. I do not like going through the furnace of trials life can bring, yet it is the “furnace of affliction” that strengthens me for what is next. Father, You are the Potter; I am the clay. Grant me grace for the furnace that I may have fortitude for the journey.

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