Gold Nugget
Verse 3: “The refining pot is for silver and the
furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts.”
Commentary
I
really like verse 3 of chapter 17. This truth is of utmost importance and value
for a Christian to understand, accept and embrace. Just as the fired furnace is
a necessary process to purify both gold and silver, the
"fire" is just as necessary to purify the heart. Just as pain is
necessary for the growth of muscle and endurance to improve performance, God
wants us to improve our performance as well. As today's "gold nugget" says, “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts.” We are supposed to be servants in
service to serve. God want to get as much out of us for His glory and work as
He can. I don't know about you, but I don't have a problem with that. In order
for Him to get more out of us for better service, we will have to endure the
adversity that burns impurities out of us, the pain of our spiritual muscles
growing and the weariness that comes from increasing our endurance. All of this
works to improve how much we can endure, carry and suffer to carry this gospel
of His. Consider these verses in James chapter 1 verses 2-4: “2 My
brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing
that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience
have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Remember that God
has much to accomplish through your fiery trial. Stay the course!
Prayer
Lord,
help me to remember that you are working something to grow me through my
suffering. Remind me of the truth from James 1:2-4 that tells me to hang in
until the trial has run its course so I will be complete, lacking
nothing. Amen
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