Being refined

What do we do when everything seems to fall apart? Where do we turn when the world around us seems to be crumbling and we feel like we just can't take anymore? We often wonder how all these bad things can happen; why do they happen? There is a reason for all things, and the bible tells us that as Christians there is a definite purpose. As a result of our sin the world is no longer perfect, and bad things happen. But is that all? Is that the only purpose??? I don't believe so. One of the things the bible talks about is being refined. We are being refined by our trials, being molded into something better!

Zechariah 13:9 "...and refine them as one refines silver and test them as gold is tested..."

Isaiah 48:10 "Behold I have refined you, but not as silver' I have tried you in the furnace of affliction"

Psalm 66: 10-12

"For You have tried us, O God;

You have refined us as silver is refined.

You brought us into the net;

You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins.

You made men ride over our heads;

We went through fire and through water,

Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance"

But here's the thing; fire hurts. Being refined is not a joy ride or a pleasurable makeover. Like it says in John 16:33, we will have troubles in this world. But it doesn't end there. God doesn't just tell us to expect troubles and trials, read the whole verse! "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Take heart! As sinful beings we can often find ourselves questioning God or blaming Him for our struggles. Rather than lay blame on the only perfect and righteous being we should bring our struggles to Him in prayer and trust in Him. The Bible tells us that God is in control, He will be with us, and although we may not receive the answers we want He will guide us and take care of us through all things. He has known all things, and knows all that's going to happen yet.

Psalm 139:1-4 

"O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

You understand my thought from afar.

You scrutinize my path and my lying down,

And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all."

Joshua 1:9  "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Isaiah 43:1 "But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning."

Psalm 139: 15-16

"My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them."

God knows all things. He knows we're sinners and He prepared a way for us. Our struggles can turn us bitter and angry, or we can let them refine us and turn us into something better. If we turn to God He promises He will turn all things to our good. (Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.") Don't let the trials of this world overtake you. God promises He will never leave us or forsake us, He goes with us. Our time here may seem long, but its just a moment when you consider the eternal heavenly home that awaits us. And though we may go through difficult times we're assured that we're not alone. Cast your anxiety and your fear on Him and trust that He is with you, and working all things to our good. 

Being made new isn't easy, but it's worth it. Let the trials of this temporary home refine you and mold you into the person God wants you to be.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:6-10.

Mel of the NorMel House - being refined by the fires of this temporary home and eagerly awaiting the new and perfect one.

Check out this beautiful version of "Refiners Fire" 

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