When a smith if forging a sword, the sword must be quenched and tempered in its finishing process. Quenching hardens the sword to hold an edge. This is done by heating the metal to a high temperature then putting it quickly in a bath of oil or water. The oil in the quench tank causes the steel to cool rapidly and evenly. Quenching creates a very hard steel.
Now that the steel is hardened, it can be tempered. Tempering, or heat treating, is done by heating the blade again. Tempering uses a much lower temperature, again based on the steel used. Most bladesmiths temper a blade several times to get the exact level of hardness. The idea is that the metal is hard enough to maintain an edge but not so hard that it is brittle, which can cause it to chip or crack.
This is the process God uses in the soul. At times the soul must be heated in the fire of suffering so it can be quenched in the ‘oil’ of humility and tempered by the Precious Blood of Jesus. This is the process God uses to make the soul unbreakable and ready for war.
The soul which has gone through the fire and emerged tempered in the Merciful Blood of Jesus has power. This soul knows that it’s strength doesn’t come from how it conquered the fire but that coming from the fire it was immersed in the mercy and love of Jesus.
I know the crucible that I’ve gone through in life, some that I’m still within and no doubt others will come. But, I have no doubt how I was able to come through or to Whom I can attest certain victory in future fire. That power is Jesus!
“Praise be to the Lord my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.” Psalm 144:1-2