That The Trial

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So is your faith being tried?

Are you going through the fire?

Have you considered that this thing you are going through, may have a purpose?

When you are among the trees it's hard to see the forest; all you see is trees! When you are in the midst, it seems like it goes on forever, like a state park! However, the forest can be so dense with underbrush, it's hard to realize it's not big at all; just a few trees deep! 

Perspective is everything!

How you view a situation will be how you process it; how you process it, will often determine the length and outcome.

Looking at everything through the lens of eternity and focusing on and choosing to obey The Word will bring you through the fire like the children of Israel in the fiery furnace; not even smelling like smoke; only what has you bound-up being burned away! Grumbling and complaining through the whole thing, on the other hand, will give you a flunking grade and you'll have to retake the test, again and again, until you get it right! It may take you 40 years, but the opportunity to pass your test will be there. God wants you to succeed!

Passing your test is more than a "positive attitude!"  To pass, you have to obey The Word of God in forgiveness and repentance of sin! 

"What sin?" 

I'm glad you asked!

When someone hurts, or disappoints you, you have a choice how to respond. Most often we get angry and because we don't forgive, bitterness sets in and sin is born. We hold onto the hurt; rehashing it over and over in our heads; listening to the lies of the enemy; making judgments and moving farther and farther away from God. 

That's what sin does!

However, if we respond in obedience to God's Word we will choose to forgive and repent of unforgiveness and judgments we've made and held against the person; every time they have hurt us. We will pray for the person instead of grumbling, complaining and gossiping. 

"But they did. . . !"

Stop!

What is most important in EVERY situation is our obedience to God. He's says do something; we do it! He says DON'T do something; we don't do it! (Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 7:1) And we obey because we love Him more than we love ourselves! Or at least that is how it's supposed to be! 

When we realize we've failed; we repent!

That is the trial of your faith! 

Will you believe and obey?

Will you bend your will (the need for you to be right) in lieu of His will (acknowledging He is right) because He is God and is perfect in all of His ways! 

Will you submit?

Will the outcome of your test bring honor and glory to Him?

THAT is the whole purpose of you being here; of your life; your faith bringing Him honor and glory!

That is the purpose of the refining fire! 

And no test is insignificant in light of eternity!

“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” 

Revelation‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 5/14/17