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Temperance
1: moderation in action, thought, or feeling : RESTRAINT
Merriem Webster
2a: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions
b: moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages
This week, I was having a discussion with a life-long friend and he related to me much of what I’ve been feeling myself concerning the circumstances at present; the feeling that things are somehow stalled and stagnant. Once again, it isn’t that where we’re at is bad per se’, but that it isn’t really good either – it feels like a type of limbo.
What happens when the “unstoppable force” meets the “immovable object”? Well, I think we’re getting a feel for the answer even now – but let us not be fooled; the God we serve is both of those forces, not matter what our physical senses may try to tell us.
Today, during a period of reflection, I felt the spirit speaking – and the word was temperance.
Now, I provided the definition to this above, but that isn’t really the point at which He was driving. Sure it’s relevant and developing the discipline to moderate one’s self is something believers should absolutely be doing, but the meaning I sensed from this was something more and this was confirmed by what He said next;
I am tempering you
This resonated with me because, I know what this means. This form of temper is process by which materials; like metal, are further hardened and refined to attain the most desirable characteristics. In antiquity, such a process was used to forge the strongest weapons and most resilient armors…
Temper
2a: to anneal or toughen (glass) by a process of gradually heating and cooling
Merriam Webster
b(1): to harden (a material, such as steel) by reheating and cooling in oil
(2): to soften (a material, such as hardened steel or cast iron) by reheating at a lower temperature
Just as we are clay in the hands of the potter, so too are we the blade in the hands of the blacksmith. The process of being repeatedly put in the fire and literally hammered may not be pleasant – but the outcome will be the sharpest edge on the strongest blade possible. The outcome will be that His warriors will be well equipped and able to handle the assignments they are given.
I don’t pretend to know why God has allowed things to unfold as they have, nor do I pretend to know what He’s got planned next; I do know this however – I trust Him, because He is trust-worthy.
Be encouraged brothers and sisters, God IS present and He absolutely IS up to something.
The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
Until next time,
חזק ואמץ – Chazak V’Ematz – Be Strong and of Good Courage!
שלום עליכם – Shalom Aleichem – Peace Be Upon You