Jen’s Gem: With God, all things are possible!

Last year because of the generosity of a good friend, my daughter and I traveled to Newport, Rhode Island for a little getaway. One of the activities we did was glass blowing. I had done this as a kid, but it was completely new for my daughter.

The young woman who guided us through the process actually had a college degree in glass blowing. I didn’t know something like this even existed! She expertly navigated us through every step of the process, seemingly oblivious to the immense heat coming from the furnace.

When it was all done, we stood back in awe that the handful of glass chips we selected minutes earlier were transformed into a magnificent “objet d’art.” The two ornaments sit atop my piano and perfectly match the décor of our home.

I was thinking about this experience over the past week or so. How intense heat when in the hands of a skilled laborer could effectively transform “nothing” into “something.”

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV)

Many people are going through some serious furnaces right now and it is hard to see how these trials will result in anything good. Job stresses, negative medical reports, relationship issues, and more are the veritable “glass chips” in our lives that we so wish would turn into a beautiful ornament.

Like that fiery furnace, we feel the immense heat and pressure every day as we wait for a breakthrough, a miracle, a “something” that will make it all go away. As I pondered this thought, a couple things occurred to me on how we might change these trials into triumphs: 

1. Are you in the right fire?

What I mean is are you potentially fighting a fire that’s not yours to fight? Are you taking on someone else’s stress or problem and trying to solve it? Perhaps the heat would get turned down (or potentially off) if you stepped away and let them handle their own fires. Or better yet, pray for them and let God help them. 

2. Do you need to make a change?
They say that doing the same thing over and over again is the definition of insanity. I think that’s a bit harsh, but sadly it may be true. Rinsing and repeating day after day and hoping or wishing for a different outcome is likely going to keep you in that fiery furnace longer than you need to be. What’s one change you can make today? Just one.

3. Are you trying to manage the fire by yourself?
Without the assistance of the expert glass blower, it’s likely those glass chips would’ve turned into a hot mess. Her guidance, support, and yes, comfort as we neared the flame, enabled us to create something beautiful. We relied on her expertise. Whose expertise are you relying on? 

“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20 NKJV)

Here’s the thing. God never ever said that life would be a walk in the park. You see in the verse above in John 16:33, the Bible clearly tells us that we will have challenges. (We can thank Adam and Eve for that.) But the verse doesn’t stop there. God doesn’t say “Yep – you’re gonna struggle down there. See ya!” NO! Look at what it says next:

“Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” What Jesus is saying here is “I got this. It’s all good.” With

 Jesus, we can get through these trials, challenges, and fires. Even better? Look at the verse in Genesis. Those trials, those fiery darts that someone meant to harm you? Well, God’s going to turn them all around for your good.

Praise the Lord!  Are you doing the happy dance? Are you shouting for joy? If you’re not – go right now!

Let me tell you something. You are God’s masterpiece. You are His beloved child. When you put your life in His more than capable hands, you’re going to see miracles and blessings abound. You have to. Why? Because He’s already done it for a b-zillion people already as the Bible tells us.

“But those people lived a million years ago Jennifer. That’s not for now.” Really?? If God did it for them, He will do it for you. God is no respector of persons. What He did for them, He will do for you…IF you believe and put your trust in Him.

God knows how to handle the fiery furnace you’re in. He knew you’d be in it before you were even born. He’s just waiting for you to ask Him for help, to declare His promises, and be the masterpiece He created you to be.

Too hot in your kitchen today? First, make sure you’re in the right kitchen and if you are, ask God to help get you out of it. Then watch as He transforms you into His very own “objet d’art.”