Faith Refined
Psalm 66:10-12
For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
God cares about us enough that He will give us spiritual check-ups so that we can be healthier spiritually. In testing us, God puts us in places that can be as uncomfortable as a refiner’s fire—not to leave us there, not because He enjoys our torment, but to expose our character so that we can see what we are made of and make adjustments. His reward for us at the end of that process is “a place of abundance.” God the Father even allowed His Son to be tempted, and we all benefit from that same refining process. As we see His plan and purposes for us with greater clarity, we will want to serve Him with greater abandon. When our faith is proved genuine, it will result in praise and glory and honor at the time when Jesus is revealed. That will be a wonderful day!
THINK ABOUT IT
What times of testing can you identify in your life? How did the Lord refine your character through those times? What did you learn about Him?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I recognize opportunities every day to choose Your ways, and I have been radically changed by choosing You. Knowing You has removed so many limitations in my life. I praise You for the freedom to live a life of eternal significance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
|