Flourishing in the Fire: Second Purpose of Suffering: Conforming/Reforming
In the last issue of the VoS newsletter, we began a five-part series on the Refiner’s Fire by examining how the Lord uses suffering to test us. We explained that the word “testing,” as used in the phrase “testing of our faith” (Jas. 1:2), means “to prove something is genuine.” We proposed that our heavenly “refiner” uses suffering to demonstrate the genuineness of our faith to us, which then leads to steadfastness in our walk with Him. In this issue, we examine how the suffering that followers of Jesus experience at the hands of their loving Father is used to shape and transform them into the likeness of His Son.
Conforming and Reforming
Metalsmiths differentiate between conforming and reforming metal as two slightly different processes, each similar to aspects of the work the Lord does in believers' lives.
Conforming
One way to describe conforming in metalwork is by stamping or pressing metal into a shape that closely matches the form around which it is pressed. This process requires significant pressure, often without heat, to push a die into the metal, bending and stretching it into a new shape. In his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul warns, “Don’t be conformed to the image of the world . . .” (Rom. 12:2). Four chapters earlier he says, "for those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Christians recognize that God is continually working to conform them to the likeness of Jesus, and this conforming, by definition, involves “pressing.” Paul references this principle when describing the mature Christian’s response to suffering: “We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Cor. 4:8) The Lord accomplishes His eternal purposes by conforming—pressing—those He loves to the image of His Son.
Reforming
Similarly, reforming metal is a process that applies compressive force—such as a hammer, press, or die—to shape the material and increase its strength and durability. The main difference between conforming and reforming metal is that, in addition to pressing and compressing, reforming also involves forging with fire. The forging process actually changes the molecular structure of the metal. Similarly, in followers of Jesus, the forging process transforms their spiritual alignment, altering their spiritual “molecular” structure. Christians know that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Forging has three important benefits to followers of Jesus.
Improved Structural Integrity: The aligned grain flow of the metal enhances the overall structural integrity and resistance to fatigue, producing endurance.
Reduced Defects: Forging produces a single, unified piece, eliminating weak points that can occur in welded or cast components, producing character.
Increased Strength: Forged metal is usually stronger, more durable, and better at resisting extreme pressures and stresses from external forces, producing hope.
For those of us who suffer, the imagery of being pressed and stretched is likely familiar, as is the compressive force of a hammer or the transformative heat of a forge. Mature Christians understand that the God who loves them allows their suffering in order to press, stretch, and shape them, gradually building endurance, character, and hope. The Apostle Paul, speaking to the church in Rome, encourages them that the “love of God is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:3-5) as He brings about Christlikeness through their suffering. In this same passage, Paul makes a most surprising statement: “we rejoice in our sufferings”. Paul knew what his suffering was producing, and when the “eyes of our hearts” are, likewise, opened to the Lord’s work through suffering, we, too, can flourish in the Refiner’s fire.
Let us encourage and remind one another to trust our Conformer and Reformer for He, in His wisdom and love, works through our trials to shape us into the image of His Son.
