The most interesting thing happened while answering my questions for Bible study. We are studying the book of Numbers and as much as I love the Old Testament, Numbers is not an easy read. Questions were answered and honestly I was not getting much out of it. I skipped ahead to the last question, which is to write out your prayer request to share with the group. Sometimes just writing out words in your heart, that need prayer, helps to lift your burden just a bit for me and I could focus better too. Back to my questions I went and landed in Numbers 8:1-4.

I began to read and the answer to my prayer request was found! This part of scripture is telling us the conversation between the Lord and Moses regarding the seven lamps and lamp stand. Not a likely answer at first glance, but hear me out. “And this was the workmanship of the lamp stand, hammered work of gold. From its base to its flowers, it was hammered work; according to the pattern that the Lord had shown Moses, so he made the lamp stand.” (Numbers 8:4). You see, I struggle with some hurts that I just could not seem to wrap my head or heart around. Yes, forgiveness has been given, but comprehending just has not come. It was getting quite heavy and that was part of my prayer request. Then I read about this lamp stand and how it was made from a pattern the Lord himself designed. It was made of pure gold and hammered. The hammering part is mentioned twice.

Stay with me here and I will explain. Gold must be refined and that is exactly what the Lord has done with me. So much stuff needed to be burned off to be of any use to the Lord. I can name a few for you like pride, lack of humility, worth found in outward appearance and the list could go on.  As for the hammering part of the verse, this is what made the gold into the beautiful shape of a lamp stand. For me, all these things that I just could not understand, I now see as what has shaped the gold in me. Each painful blow by the hammer of the skilled craftsmen now has a purpose. All the Lord has allowed is now seen as part of His pattern for my life. This gave me peace and joy like I have never known!

Want to hear something else that just about undid me? “Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and say to him, When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lamp stand.” (Numbers 8:1-2). This brings tears to my eyes. If I see myself as the gold, hammered lamp stand and my children as the seven lamps that give light, well the process was worth it all. My children can shine brightly for the Lord and I can stand behind them encouraging them in every way. I will use all the refining and hammering that has shaped me to bring the Lord glory by raising seven lamps that bear much light.

I will have to say that the book of Numbers is now one of my favorites. Thank you Lord for lifting words off of the page and sending them flying into my heart. Shine on little lamps!