A Reflection On Trials

When I want to be refined through my difficulties

Just as the Cross of Jesus revealed the character of God within Him, so does the fire of trial reveal the character of God within us. Are we patient? We and the world will know it only if our patience is tested. Are we loving? It will not be seen until we are confronted with hatred. Are we full of faith? There’s no evidence until circumstances dictate against it.

Every fruit of the Spirit is latent within us until its antithesis appears. Superficial joy and real joy look exactly the same until the storm comes and blows one of them away. Peace isn’t really peace unless it can survive when attacked. And deeper still, your life in the Spirit isn’t life at all if it melts away when death threatens. Nothing God gives us is proven genuine until it is assaulted by the troubles of this world. It is the only way to come forth as gold. Are you running from tests? Don’t. Stand firm in them. Let God do His purifying work. Get ready to shine.

When he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.

Job 23:10