Additional Thoughts

I've had some additional thoughts on our visit and tour of the Provo City Center Temple yesterday.  There were moments when I had a hard time remembering that this building was completely destroyed in the interior.  At one point in the tour we were going up a spiral stair case and I was thinking about how in the past there were many who would have walked up that staircase and wondered if they braved the thin inner step or walked on the outside of the staircase where the steps are much wider.  Thoughts of "they don't make things like they used to" ran through my head but then I remembered the fire and the fact that all of this is new and yes they do make things like they used to.  It truly was magnificent. 

As I have pondered the Temple and the things that transpired with the tabernacle catching on fire and being destroyed with exception of the exterior walls I thought about how sometimes people are a lot like that building.  The tabernacle was a wonderful building that served many for a long time.  I am sure there were many wonderful meetings held within those remaining outer walls.  Testimonies were strengthened and faith forged through mighty sermons and messages of the gospel.  And though these things are wonderful the Lord had a new and higher purpose for that building.  Before being able to be rebuilt it had to be brought down a bit.  Now it is finished and it is majestic and beautiful and will bless many more lives both the living and the dead.  Sometimes we go through trials and troubles.  We may feel that we are being tested even as if by fire.  As we our faithful and trust in the Lord we allow him to mold us to something better, with greater purpose. 

Is there a type in this?  Does the Lord sometimes lift us from the ashes and from despair and help restore and mold us into something better?  I believe he does.