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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Art (01/18/07)
"See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals
into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work."
Isaiah 54:16a (NIV)


THE BLACKSMITH

O’er crags and fields, through veins of earth,
The Mighty One looks down.
Longing, searching darkest vales,
No goodness to be found.

Exhuming from the dregs of soil,
He pulls me to His breast.
A worthless, blackened mass of ore,
In holy arms, finds rest.

Turning me with expert hands,
The Craftsman looks to see,
Not poisoned lead, nor sparkling lies,
But visions of glory.

With outstretched arms, He lays me in
The cradle of affliction,
To purge the dross embedded deep
In chambers I thought hidden.

The Blacksmith stands before the forge
Stoking glowing coals,
That rage into a brilliant flame
To purify my soul.

The intense heat of sacrifice
Scorches me with sorrows,
As foolish pride, in plumes of smoke
Rolls out ancient bellows.

In agony, this molten ore
Cries out to his Redeemer,
Who steps into the blazing forge
To soothe me in the fire.

At His touch, doubt disintegrates,
Falls to ashes at His feet.
The worthless shell that once was me,
In Him, is made complete.

My form, the purest silver,
Refined by holy flames,
Reflects the Blacksmith’s image,
Bringing glory to His name.

Pliant in His skillful hands,
He shapes this mighty sword,
A polished, gleaming masterpiece
To battle for our Lord.


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This article has been read 1499 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
LINDA GERMAIN 
01/26/07
This is so well done! I loved every word. My grandfather was a blacksmith...way before I was born.I've heard lots of stories about the hot fires and the molding of iron and the patience he had in producing a superior tool or decoration or horse shoe. God is even more patient with us. Wonderful analogy.
Shirley Hegwood
01/26/07
Excellent! Flows from beginning to end with a rich and descriptive story.
Cheri Hardaway
01/26/07
This poem takes my breath away! I love it! The description is rich. We are each but blackened ore, until we are purged in the Refiner's fire. And He enables us each to endure His fire by stepping into the flames alongside us. As always, He carries us through to the other side. What better love could there be? Wow. Thanks for writing. Blessings, Cheri
Joanne Sher 
01/27/07
This is just wonderful! Such wonderful imagery that gives me a whole new view of God's work in me. I especially loved the second to last stanza.
Tiffanie Chezum
01/29/07
Excellent words and flow from begining to end. I also like the second to last stanza a lot.
Jan Ackerson
01/29/07
Oh, Crista, this is marvelous!
Sandra Petersen
01/30/07
This was beautiful! I especially got chills with these two stanzas:

"Exhuming from the dregs of soil,
He pulls me to His breast.
A worthless, blackened mass of ore,
In holy arms, finds rest." and

"With outstretched arms, He lays me in
The cradle of affliction,
To purge the dross embedded deep
In chambers I thought hidden."
Mostly because He's still finding those hidden chambers in me and purging out the impurities. Thanks for making me think once more.
Donna Powers
01/30/07
This is extremely well written. It was wonderful to read and contains a wonderful message. Thanks for sharing it
Pat Guy
01/31/07
Ahhhh ...*sigh* ... what a master - what a masterpiece. Awesome.
Sally Hanan
01/31/07
Beautiful poem and excellent writing that inspires believers; only one quibble, and that is that silver would not make a very good blade , there would have to be steel or iron in it.
william price
02/01/07
This is golden!!!
Expertly done. Great job. God bless.