On Taking Life's Beatings

It is a remarkable occurrence of nature that the most brilliant colors of plants are found in the highest mountains, in the places that are exposed to the fiercest weather. The brightest lichens and mosses, and the most vibrant wildflowers, abound high on storm beaten peaks.

In the early 1900's a bar of steel was worth around $5. But forged into horseshoes it was worth $10; made into sewing needles its value climbed to $350; if used to make blades for pocket knives, its value exceeded $32,000; if used to make springs for watches it reached a valuation of $250,000.

What a pounding that steel bar had to endure in order to increase in value. But the more it was shaped, hammered, heated and cooled, cut, rolled, pounded and polished, the greater its value. May I use this analogy to remind me to be still, silent, and long-suffering, for it is those who suffer most who yield the most. And it is through pain that God gets the most out of us for His glory and for the blessing of others.

So stand firmly in the place where our Dear Lord has put you, loved one, and do your best there. God sends us trials and tests, and places life before us as a face-to-face opponent. It is through the pounding of serious conflict that He expects us to be strong.