Reshaped- Intro
Anvil ~ in the world of forging an anvil is an unforgiving cold surface where the shaping process takes place. The blacksmith pounds steel that is set ablaze in the fiery coals of a furnace. At the hammer’s relentless thrashing, new shapes emerge. The metal, once formless and without purpose, becomes a new creation in the hand of its craftsman.
Similarly the anvil is used as a metaphor in God’s Word (see Isaiah 54:16) to demonstrate the process by which God molds and shapes hearts through difficult circumstances. Through fiery trials, we experience the relentless hammering of uncomfortable and often painful situations. We question our capabilities. We question God. A whole gambit of emotions further complicate the difficulties we face.
Yet somehow we come through the heat we thought we couldn’t bear. We survive the hammering blows that came from all sides. And to our astonishment, we emerge different.
For the next 21 days we will explore the lives of three heroes of the faith. Each was called to monumental tasks that changed the course of their lives and reshaped them into men and women of purpose.
As you read through each day’s devotional, I encourage you to look for parallels in your life. What difficult circumstances have you faced? Did the discomfort change your perspective and shape you into God’s likeness? Or were you wrestling with God? I remind you, He is a trustworthy blacksmith. What He crafts with His hands will always bring forth beauty.
Similarly the anvil is used as a metaphor in God’s Word (see Isaiah 54:16) to demonstrate the process by which God molds and shapes hearts through difficult circumstances. Through fiery trials, we experience the relentless hammering of uncomfortable and often painful situations. We question our capabilities. We question God. A whole gambit of emotions further complicate the difficulties we face.
Yet somehow we come through the heat we thought we couldn’t bear. We survive the hammering blows that came from all sides. And to our astonishment, we emerge different.
For the next 21 days we will explore the lives of three heroes of the faith. Each was called to monumental tasks that changed the course of their lives and reshaped them into men and women of purpose.
As you read through each day’s devotional, I encourage you to look for parallels in your life. What difficult circumstances have you faced? Did the discomfort change your perspective and shape you into God’s likeness? Or were you wrestling with God? I remind you, He is a trustworthy blacksmith. What He crafts with His hands will always bring forth beauty.