Day 3 - Week 46 - Romans 12:12 "Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer."

When you find yourself in one of life's low spots, how do you handle it?  Where does your mind first turn?  Does your mind immediately find itself immersed in the emotion of joy?  If so, I stand in awe of you...for you are a mature Christian!

A mature Christian can hear Paul's words and completely understand them...not just hear them.  For a mature Christian knows that at the very time you find yourself in a time of trouble, you can hear the Word of God saying to you, "This will all work out for your good".."Trials bring maturity"..."You will learn great lessons from this time"...and most importantly, "I am with you every step of the way, trust in Me."  And when those words ring in your mind, a smile can come to your face, and you can experience...yep, you got it....joy!  Joy in the hope of what God is doing as you trust in Him.  Joy in knowing that you are on the cusp of a great adventure that God is going to walk you through.  Easy, no.  Worth it, absolutely.  For with God, ALL things work together for our good and we come through our trials stronger and better.  For we have been refined by the Master. 

If you haven't ever heard this story, hear it now.  I love it, because it helps me to understand the hard times of life, the purposes they can have, and the maturity they can bring.

The Refiner's Fire Story

Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to

read the scriptures and make them the subject of

conversation. While reading the third chapter of

Malachi they came upon a remarkable expression

in the third verse.
"And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

One lady's opinion was that it was intended to

convey the view of the sanctifying influence of the

grace of Christ. Then she proposed to visit a

silversmith and report to them what he said

on the subject. She went accordingly and without

telling the object of her errand, begged to know the

process of refining silver, which he fully described

to her.

"But Sir," she said, "do you sit while the work of

refining is going on?" "Oh, yes madam, " replied

the silversmith, "I must sit with my eye steadily fixed

on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining

be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver

will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort

too, of the expression,

"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier

of silver."

Christ sees it needful to put His children into a

furnace. His eye is steadily intent on the work of

purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged

in the best manner for them. Their trials do not come

at random; "the very hairs of your head are

all numbered."

As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith

called her back, and said he had still further to

mention, that he only knows when the process of

purifying was complete, by seeing his own image

reflected in the silver.

Beautiful example! When Christ shall see His own

image in His people, His work of purifying will

be accomplished.

Author Unknown