What comes out of you in the fire?

My husband and I are knee-deep in a project has taken us months of planning, saving and now building- we are making a mobile camper wagon made entirely by hand- reminiscent of the western wheeled wagons from the 1800’s-1900’s. (You can see the project here: www.nomadearth.design)

Because of my husband’s Japanese heritage, he wanted to put some of his culture into the build. So we started researching the ancient art of Japanese woodburning- Shou Sugi Ban.

It not only creates beautiful and unique designs into the wood as it’s being scorched with a torch of fire over a specific period of time- but it’s also a natural way to prevent pest, rot, and weather damage.

As the flame of over 1,000 degrees was going over these giant pieces of wood, A beautiful image started to come out of the process- patterns, colors and textures started to bubble through.

As we completed every piece, we started noticing that there was no two designs a like. Each piece’s patterns rose from the surface and different waves and textures.

As I was torching a particular section- the Holy Spirit spoke to me very clearly about a verse in 1 Peter:

“May the thought of this cause you to jump for joy, even though lately you’ve had to put up with the grief of many trials. But these only reveal the sterling core of your faith, which is far more valuable than gold that perishes, for even gold is refined by fire. Your authentic faith will result in even more praise, glory, and honor when Jesus the Anointed One is revealed.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:5-9‬ ‭

It’s 2020 has taught us anything, is that fires and trials will come. It’s about what characteristics and attitudes will come out of the fire the end of the process that matters.

How was God refining you this year and making you into something unique and beautiful?

What is God burning off of you this year so that you can walk into the next year refined, complete and beautiful?