Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10
In today’s lesson from Equipping the Man In The Mirror, Pat Morley talks about the refining process that God puts us through. Pat reminds us that the refining process that precious metals go through removes the impurities. Our God works the same way. The Bible talks about this in several places including in James 1:2-4: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Applying the heat.
Over the past couple of years I was in a situation that made me angry and bitter. I prayed often for the situation to change, yet day after day it continued. My only refuge seemed to be when I was at home or at church.
Removing the impurities.
As I look back on the events during that time I can see the Lord “skimming the impurities” from me. On a regular basis Jesus would send witnesses to me to comfort me and remind me who was in control. During that time I also witnessed to the grace of God to those who were in much worse situations than I was.
The next step.
At just the right time He removed me from that furnace. On January 3, 2011 I was laid off from my primary job. My response? “OK Lord, I trust you. I know you will take care of my family and me.” I have put my trust 100% on my Lord and Savior Jesus. He is faithful. There are several employment opportunities in the works. I can also see the foundation He has been laying over the last year.
I am still not sure of the new direction Jesus is leading me, I am sure it will continue to remove the impurities from me. I know I will struggle (I am still on this earth), but Jesus has again removed the doubt that His enemies have planted in my sinful mind.
Lord Jesus, I am your eyes, your hands, your feet, and mouth piece. Send me!
When something in our life goes is a bad direction, how do you respond?
Please let us know.
All for the glory of God
