Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. – Psalm 66:12
It is always a thrill to help out at my daughter’s school. Today was no exception! The lunchroom was buzzing with all sizes of happy students zipping along to their next classes. As the sound diminished, I opened a shiny red cart and pulled out seeds and oil. Then I flipped the switch to the “on” position and poured the measured ingredients into the covered pan. Soon, a wonderful smell began to filter through the walls of the building. I emptied the popcorn into the bin below and refilled the machine to make another batch. While I waited for it to finish popping, I scooped the already-made popcorn into little bags and stapled them shut. As I worked, I marveled at how such a tiny seed so hard and tasteless, when put under heat, could turn into such a tasty snack. Thinking on this, I realized that heat is one of the main ingredients needed when making this treat. The heat changes these tiny hard seeds into the finished product: golden popcorn.
A Christian’s life can be likened to one of these kernels. When trials come across our pathway and the “heat” seems more than we can bear, we need to remember that the Lord is making us into something He can use—something that will be beneficial to others and bring glory to His name. Hard pieces of popcorn are of little use unless they are heated. So are we.
Do we ever complain when the “fires” start to roar around us? Or do we instead see the finished product molded from love, compassion, and encouragement found amid the heat? When trials come, let’s spend time in prayer and hold on to the Lord’s hand. If we do, we will become that finished product that God can use for His service.