March 26, 2011

Refined Through Fire

  James 1:2,3
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

The word trials has a connotation of trouble or a situation that would disrupt peace and happiness. It could be persecution, personal illness, family troubles, a death of someone close, financial problems, or any of a great many issues. God allows such events into a believer's life for the main purpose of testing, strengthening, and maturing his faith. A believer could respond wrongfully by becoming bitter, angry, or resentful toward God, or he could embrace the trial while eagerly anticipating the outcome - becoming more like Christ

It is true that trials do not produce "happiness," but by a believer's deliberate submission to God during this trial, he can experience a sense of joy and peace knowing that God is working through this situation for the good of His child. Through the course of the trial, a believer will learn endurance and faith as he submits, make his foundation on Christ stronger as he perseveres, and help refine his character as he grows so that he can bring glory to God in every aspect of his life.

    2 Corinthians 12:9a
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

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