Turtle Tuesday: The Raku Turtle

Going through a fiery trial in your life? Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. (1Peter 4:12) All of us go through trials throughout our lifespan. We were destined for them. Today's turtle has certainly been through her share. She has the marks to prove it.

Meet B, the Raku Turtle. Her name sounds like a character out of Lion King, but the origins of Raku are from the Japanese. "Raku pottery is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses both fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs" according to Wise Geek.com. The kiln used in the firing process reaches up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. What kind of clay could handle those kind of temperatures? A specially designed one of course.

Are you starting to get the picture? Like B, the Raku Turtle, we will all feel the furnace turned up at various times in our life. How do you view your trials? Remember, we are never in the furnace alone. Ask Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Their furnace story is pretty incredible in Daniel Chapter 3. The heat was really turned up. The three handled their truly fiery trial with a boldness and confidence in their God that made others watch to see what happened. King Nebuchadnezzar was an eye witness to what they were experiencing. In fact, he was the one who caused the fiery trial for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Through their trial Nebuchadnezzar was able to see something MORE, something BIGGER than himself. He saw the treasure inside their fired up clay pots and God got the glory.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." Dan 3:28-29

God wants to use us in our trials; For others to see this all-surpassing power in our jars of clay is from Him and not from us. The Lord wants to show Himself strong in your life and mine. B, the Raku turtle hasn't always noticed the good that came out of her trials, but it's there. God's Presence with us always leaves a mark. Look what He showed B after she was pulled from fire.
A smile of favor on her life. He does that for ordinary turtles and even regular ones. It gives B a whole new perspective on future furnace visits ;) I pray it does for you too. You are very loved by your Father. Look up and smile back.

B His Girl