Being Refined

Ruth

It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

—Psalm 119:71

The real test of the depth of our faith is when we suffer. It’s easy to love and serve God when things are going well. But come a little rain, some turbulence, or a few hills, and many of us begin to discover what we really believe, or don’t believe, about God.

Difficult and sometimes dark times are not to be celebrated. Nobody, at least in their right mind, should rejoice for the opportunity to suffer! But we can and should rejoice in our suffering (James 1:2–3). Why? Because God uses tough seasons and circumstances to do some of His greatest work in us.

Trials or suffering don’t guarantee that we will grow. Growing through our suffering requires some choices. We have to decide: What will I do with this season? How will I respond to these circumstances? Does God just want me to get through it or grow through it?

The decision is ours to make. We can either resist what God is really doing in our suffering or embrace it. Learn from it. Surrender. Trust God no matter what. Stay faithful.

There is no greater example in the Bible or in history of how to suffer the right way than the example of Jesus. Of course, He didn’t need to overcome a sin nature. He was the perfect and sinless Son of God. But He did show us how to suffer the right way, with God’s help.

The writer of Hebrews said, “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered” (5:8). Jesus didn’t sin when He suffered. He entrusted Himself to the Father’s perfect love and will. He remained obedient. He did not swerve to the left or the right. He was faithful, even to the point of death.

What God is really doing in our suffering is refining us. Making us new. He is teaching us to anchor our lives to what matters most, in what truly lasts.

Will you let Him? Will you surrender to the soul-shaping, eternity-lasting work of God’s hand even when it is hard?

Father, I know You love me. But Your love is not content to keep me where I am. Even in trials You are shaping me for my good and Your glory. Help me surrender. Teach me to walk faithfully and humbly with You. Don’t just change me; change all of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where are you most tempted to doubt God in your suffering?

How can you practically surrender or cooperate with what God is really doing?