The goldsmith carefully watches the gold as the heat is turned up. If the gold will not release the dross, it must be discarded and will never be fit for the master's use. Each time the heat is turned off, the dross, all impurities released during the time the gold endured the fire, is removed, and the heat is turned up again.



Do you know how the goldsmith knows when the vessel of gold is ready for use? It is ready when he sees his face clearly reflected in the vessel. Is God taking you through fiery trials of purification? When He clearly sees Jesus in you, you will be ready to begin your assignment, to fulfill the purpose you were created to complete.

Like Gold, Steel's preparation process begins in the fire. Steel must be tempered before it can be trusted to bear the weight of the traffic that will pass over the steel bridge. After it is melted in the fire, it is hammered into shape. Then it is thrown into cold water. If it breaks apart, it will be discarded, but if it stays together, it is fit for use.

Are you in the middle of this process ? enduring the fire and being hammered into shape? When you feel the cold water shock of unexpected circumstances and delayed or forgotten promises, do you fall apart, or are you strong enough to bear the weight of your own burden and the burdens of others?

Diamonds are created under ground in a hidden dark place. Pressure, over many years, turns black coal into valuable diamonds. But no one can see the diamonds deep in the ground. It takes volcanic eruptions to bring the diamonds to the surface of the earth where they can be discovered.

Do you feel like God is working on you in secret and no one can see your value? The passion of God's purpose and the faith in your heart will thrust you out of the darkness and into the light of favor and recognition.

When the diamond is discovered, it is trusted into the hand of a master craftsman who knows exactly how to make the first cut. Diamonds are so hard that only instruments created from the diamond dust are able to cut the gem.

You are a precious jewel in the hand of the Lord. In His hand, you are protected and kept safe from all harm. But, are you willing to give Him permission to cut away whatever is not Jesus in you, so that the anointed love and truth of the Word of God can shine through you for all to see?

God has called you. He has chosen you to be prepared for the Master's use. Where are you in the process? Ask yourself the following questions.

1. Am I too stubborn to let go of my own will and my own way, or am I becoming a golden vessel?

2. Am I allowing the cold water of disappointment to keep me from fulfilling God's purpose in my life or am I strong enough to serve God and God's people?

3. Am I too anxious and afraid to stay still and trust God to chip away whatever is not Jesus in me?

4. Am I really ready to be purified, tempered, cut and polished?

5. Am I really ready to answer the call to be prepared for the Master's use?