“Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, and produces a weapon for its purpose…..no weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper”. Isaiah 54:16-17
“The forge”. This is where the power of the Father, Precious Blood of Jesus and Purifying Fire of the Holy Spirit all come together to make a powerful ‘weapon’.
The Holy Spirit blows His breath across the coals of life’s challenges (desolation) to fan the flames hotter and brighter. Only through this purifying graces drenched in the Precious Blood of Jesus can the Father create a soul that is fashioned into a mighty “sword” against which no weapon or attack of the enemy can prevail.
One of my favorite songs to play on my guitar says, ‘Purify my heart, Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart, Let me be as gold, pure gold”. To make the soul Holy in the Refiner’s Fire is the true end game of all the Father does. His desire is that we “be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
I didn’t realize at the time what my period of darkness and struggle meant, it simply looked to me as if I had failed. That February 2011 night, God asked me to trust Him with His daughter and I said no. I had failed the test. And this led me down a path into a dark night. But, God knew what my response would be that night and already was working the bellies of the forge. He gave me white hot coals to start smelting the imperfections from my soul. He introduced St Faustina and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to my life to form my ‘new mold.’
As I was immersed in the purifying fire my soul came alive…