Have you ever faced a CRUCIBLE?
Rock, Water and Ice.
Enduring harsh elements and environments can either build us up, or break us down. So it is with a crucible; it can make us, or it can break us. The term “crucible” often brings to the mind the image of “the crucifix”—therefore it can be likened to an extreme trial—as in the cross of Jesus. But interestingly, the term crucible comes directly from the word for an ancient earthen vessel that was used to contain melted metal in the purification process. Isn't it interesting that something so crude as an earthen vessel can contain something so precious and strong and useful? Speaking of metal, you’ve heard the term "to test ones’ mettle?” Yes, the original meaning of "mettle" is connected to the metallic "metal." Over time, the term "mettle" has been distinguished from "metal" becoming synonymous with vigor and strength of spirit or temperament. Just as heat is required in the purification of metal so also, the hardship of a crucible tests our strength, spirit and temperament.
Some crucibles we subject ourselves to, while others come upon us unexpected.
An example of a crucible that we subject ourselves to purposefully is within the warrior-mindset culture like a Tier 1 SWAT team. Joining an elite team requires severe testing to prove a person’s qualifications to partake in that team. This means that a candidate will intentionally subject themselves to extreme testing in order to prove their mettle—do they have what it takes? It sounds terrible, right? Why would a person voluntarily subject themself to such a crucible?
You know the answer.
Whether it be preparing for war or being on a team that faces hardships on a daily basis, it's good to know what you are capable of before being called upon to respond to a real crisis. Enduring hardship not only produces endurance it also forges your character. On the other side of the trial you will find you are more capable than you ever expected. An added benefit with testing alongside others is that it will build cohesion and solidify the camaraderie that forms unbreakable teams.
One of the things that makes a crucible worth enduring is the end goal. The Mission. For a SWAT team, the mission is to save lives and protect the public. Those goals are worth the hardships in testing and constant on-going training required be on the team.
A crucible is not just for warriors or SWAT teams. What about a hardship that comes upon you unexpectedly?
We all face trials and tribulations that can either break us or make us stronger. Have you lost a loved one? Have you or someone you care for suffered a catastrophic or chronic illness? Have you overcome adversity in your career or in your personal life? All of these difficulties can either break us or make us come out stronger. And like a SWAT team, it is the focus on and trust in the mission that lights the fire that keeps us going.
I've learned in my life that I am not alone. There is One outside of time and space who knows my beginning and end. As I trust in Him, there is hope and even a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is this glimmer of eternity in my eyes that keeps me focused on the prize.
If you are enduring a personal hardship, I would encourage you to reach out to God for help — if not to make your trial more bearable, then at least to show you how that trial can be used for good. Ask for strength as you keep pressing on. In that "crucible" and the "testing of your mettle," you will come out on the other side stronger and wiser, and then you will be able to encourage others in the fight!
// "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but we are of those who have faith and preserve their souls." - Hebrews 10:39 //
// “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:14 //
// “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” - Romans 5:1-5 ESV //
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