Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 17
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. 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 this is working 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: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 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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As we go thru trials, and daily living for that matter, it is imperative that we not become physically exhausted. We are more likely to succomb to temptations or to make compromises with our Godly standards if we are very fatigued. We need to endure well, with proper spiritual control to truly glorify God with our living sacrifice of service.
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