May 13th - Thank Me in the Midst of the Crucible

If you're like me, you're wondering: "What the heck is a crucible?" Well, here's how Webster's defines it:

1. A vessel of a very refractory material, as porcelain, used for melting a substance that requires a high degree of heat

2. A severe test

3. A place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development

Me? I really like a combination of 2 & 3...a severe test which causes or influences change.

I feel like my life is a constant conglomeration of tests (some severe,) that should cause or influence change in me. But, they don't always. The degree to which I change is the degree to which I let God influence me. How much am I "deifying my desires" and not allowing God to carry out His intentions for me??

I don't often think of myself as God, but every time I cause my desires to gain priority over His for me, I am really playing God. And, confidentially, I SUCK at being God. Trust me. This is 54 years of experience talking.

So, Dear Lord, put me in the crucible. Use the hot, hot fire of your will for me & burn off any remnants of my own selfish will. Amen.

1 Peter 5: 6,7: 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18:

Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.