Beauty Through Fire

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Welcome, ☺️

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I thought I learned this lesson the first time”? 

I remember my mom saying in her 70s, “I’m still learning and growing with the Lord.” Knowing the many deep trials the Lord had allowed and brought her through, I thought, “Wow, do the trials ever end?” Of course, the answer is no. 

Looking back, I can see that God uses each season of life to continue His work of transformation. In some ways, that process reminds me of my English fine bone china.

I cherish my English fine bone china. Some pieces belonged to my grandmother and great-grandmother, making them especially precious to me. To transform bone ash and clay into a delicate-looking, strong, translucent, and durable product, fine bone china is fired in a kiln at very high temperatures three or more times. Each firing brings out its beauty and richer colors, producing these characteristics. Often, the final firing occurs after the gold trim and radiant flowers are applied. The intense heat fuses these beautiful details into the china, making them a lasting part of the finished piece.

Sometimes I wish I could say, "Lord, I already learned that lesson." Yet He lovingly shows me there is still more beauty He desires to bring forth. There are places where I need deeper trust, greater patience, or a more willing obedience. So He continues His gentle work of transformation.

In much the same way, God uses trials to fuse Christ's character into our lives. What are some of these beautiful colors the Lord desires to display in our lives? Patience. Longsuffering. Joy. Grace. Forgiveness. Compassion. Discernment. Holiness. As we walk through the fires He allows, these qualities become more evident—not because we are trying harder, but because Christ is being formed in us.

The kiln is not meant to destroy the china but to strengthen it and give it lasting beauty. Likewise, God's refining work is not meant to harm us but to transform us from glory to glory into the image of His Son.

For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ... that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death. Philippians 3:8,10

The Christian life is not merely about enduring trials. It is about gaining Christ. Through every fire, He is transforming us from glory to glory, making us more like Himself.

Pause and Consider

Can you identify a Christlike quality that has grown in your life because of a difficulty God allowed you to walk through?

A Quiet Prayer

Thank You for never stopping Your work in us. When the fires of trial come, help us trust that You are not seeking to harm us but to shape us into the likeness of Your Son. May we submit to Your refining hand and reflect Your glory more clearly with each passing year.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Steeped in God’s love, 🌸

Evelyn