7 Crucial Crucibles Series

7 Crucial Crucibles

7 is the number of God’s perfection. So, how does he use difficult situations to perfect us?

There are 7 descriptors (7 Crucial Crucibles) that Paul lays out in Romans 8. Below is a description and deeper dive of each of these words. These words can be related to a crucible (or test) that you are in right now that is crucial (not a game and could have a lasting impact).

Before you run down the crucible trail of studying these words. Reflect on this–It’s the love of Christ. The fact that God chose us when we were still missing the mark and sent His one and only Son to die for us. His love.

There is NOTHING that can separate us.

Not even the 7 Crucial Crucibles–

Romans 8:35 “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”

All of these words can run together, so let’s parcel them out with the help of some study tools. (Each word takes you to a link of the original meaning of the word on the Blue Letter Bible website.)

Can you relate presently or in the past with any of these 7 Crucial Crucibles?

Here are the 7 Crucial Crucibles:

1. Tribulations–Strong’s G2347–noun–pressure (literally or figuratively)?Comes from the verb–to press (as grapes), press hard upon.

--So, when you are in the pressure cooker–that can’t separate you from the love of Christ.

2. Distress–Strong’s G4730–noun–narrowness of room–we might say, in a “tight spot”

--When you are in a really tight squeeze without a lot of room to breath–regardless–the narrowness of your circumstances–these cannot separate you from the love of Christ that you have been given. His love is closer to you than this crucible.

3. Persecution–Strong's G1375–noun–the condition of being persecuted–to go to the root verb–verb–Strong’s G1377–it is “in any way whatever to harass, trouble, to persecute”

--It is when someone is just getting after you and won’t let up. It is being pursued in a hostile manner. Persecution could be being pursued in an arena that is not your forte or strong suit. The devil knows your weak point(s) and he will look to attack you in an unfamiliar way to throw you off your game and trip you up.

4. Famine–Strong's G3042–noun–this is about scarcity? “scarcity of harvest, famine”

--It’s when you go to "the well" and it’s empty. This could be physically, emotionally, relationally, or financially.

5. Nakedness–Strong's G1132–noun–without clothing–covering–exposed.

--It is not only about literal nakedness, but how are you exposed in life? This is being exposed in a way that could cause you harm due to the severity of the circumstance.

6. Peril–Strong's G2794–noun–danger or peril–peril is defined as “exposure to the risk of being injured, destroyed, or lost.”

--So, instead of it being a tight spot as described above, it’s a dangerous one that potentially could leave lasting damage--emotionally, physically, relationally, or financially. It’s not a good place to be–at the same time–the peril–danger–crucible--cannot come between you and the love of Christ.

7. Sword–Strong's G3162–noun–it means a sword, knife, literally–figuratively it means “war, judicial punishment”

--“Sword” is a legitimate threat. Just like a literal sword could cause harm, the “sword” of your situation could cause harm as well. You have to respect the threat and still know that regardless of the severity, it cannot separate you from the love of Christ.

Pause and Ponder:

If you can relate to any of these above, first remind yourself of these two points:

First, not one of these 7 Crucial Crucibles can separate you from the love of Christ. Not one. This is the reality of His love that nothing or no one can change.

Second, consider this question--if I am experiencing the crucible but not His love, have I somehow disconnected His love from the situation? Have I compartmentalized the crucible and thereby not fully experiencing God's love as I walk through it? If so, reaffirm His love in your heart today. Be bonded with Him and His love.

When we faithfully abide in Him and have eyes wide open to which of the 7 Crucial Crucibles we are going through. We have hope that He will never leave us or forsake us.

His love will always be there--no matter the crucible.

Soli Deo Gloria.