As
we enter the blacksmith shop, you notice it’s hot, dirty, and the air is dust-filled, making it hard to breathe; there are small pieces of metal strewn about, larger pieces half-finished hanging on the wall, old tools on the work bench, and the bare dirt floors are blackened from the forge. The men present are strong from years of swinging hammers. They have coal-stained hands. Their overalls are tattered and hole-covered from the sparks jumping off the anvil. Excited to be so near the heat, the apprentices are fully engaged in their work, yet still inexperienced enough that the smithy corrects them quickly before the piece they have in the coals turns white hot and begins to burn. But amid the cluttered mess, outside the chaotic feeling of so much activity, and above the noise of hammer blows on metal, you can sense an order to the workings, and a deep-seated calm that something special is happening.
The forge is a worksh
op where the heating of metals occur. The work piece is heated to a malleable temperature in which the metal becomes easier to shape. The forge is analogous to God taking a hardened heart, using trials and tribulations to soften the ‘work piece’, and then begin the task of reshaping it into something more beautiful than it once was. As the blacksmith uses the different tools for reshaping so God uses scripture: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Forges from the past were coal-fired. The act of stoking and tending a coal forge is just as essential as the hammering of the piece. A coal forge requires constant attention from the minute it is lit. The fire transforms the coal into coke, a solid carbon fuel that burns with intense heat and little smoke. Just as the hearth needs constant attention so does the heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Luke 21: 34 also warns, “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap.” Furthermore, Philippians 4:7states, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As th
e blacksmith takes that rough piece, places it in the fire and heat, it softens, becomes malleable and then a transformation happens. That old work is made new! So God also takes that rough, hardened heart, and begins to heat it and make it soft through the daily living out of life, then the heart and mind can be transformed into something new. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”The FORGE is the place where transformations can happen. We hope and pray that our ministry can help the mom and dad to be, the brand new mom and dad, the burned out, tired and worn out mom and dad, and even the seasoned mom and dad to be restored, transformed, renewed, strengthened, encouraged, prayed for, and mentored.
The FORGE can be a place where your heart can be softened. You can come inside, maybe just like the apprentice, and learn from some veterans, get excited about discipling your children, and discover new tools and techniques. The smithy awaits, the forge is hot, and the tools are ready.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7