How are Christians to handle seasons when life seems like a pressure-cooker? To carry the devotional’s theme from yesterday, it’s in large part how we view God’s sovereignty. When a blacksmith or goldsmith refines any precious metal, he puts it under intense pressure and fire. When the craftsman’s work in this long process is complete, he knows the work is good and the metal pure when his reflection is seen in the finished product. This is what God does with us. When we’re suffering the Holy Spirit is our refining fire (Not to be confused with the consuming fire of God in Deuteronomy & Isaiah), testing our faith, purifying our hearts for the glory of God The Father, reflecting the image of Christ. Suffering is the means to displaying the magnificence of God (Mala. 3:3, Col. 1:24, Phil. 2:9-11, Phil. 3:10). Because of this world of sin we suffer, but we are called to suffer just like Christ suffered. This creates weakness in us, or rather, it reminds us of how weak we truly are. It smashes pride within us and breaks us down to a place of humility beyond human ideas of what humility is; thus creates a need, an utter dependence on God. The Father puts you in situations where your endurance of faith is tested, not because He is punishing you or because He is mean. He has you in the refiner’s fire out of His perfect love for you because you are in Christ. It is to bring you from glory to glory, deeper places of sanctification until the ultimate glory when we are face to face with our Lord (see 2 Cor., 3:18, Zech. 13:9, Prov. 17:3, Job 23:10, 1 Peter 4:12, 1 Peter 5:10). God promises to His children that He isn’t going to leave you in the furnace of refinement. God says in His Word that He “swept away your sins like the morning mist.” When circumstances have us feeling like we are in a pressure-cooker, God calls us to return to Him, to utter dependence on Him. We belong to Him. Though we are still sinful we are no longer slaves to our wicked flesh. “return to me, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44:22).
Questions to ask yourself:
- What do you think God is refining in you in this season?
- What weaknesses has God revealed in you that you are depending on Him for?
Prayer:
Lord, I come before you so burdened by my weaknesses and the circumstances that seem to make them more apparent. Quiet my heart and lift the burden of sin and condemnation that I put on myself from my weary soul. Thank you that I can cast my anxieties on you because you care for me. Thank you for the refinement of my spirit that you are doing in my life as I trust you to do it for my good and your glory — you are making my heart more pure and more pure towards you. Thank you, Lord that you do not leave me in the furnace of refinement; that your grace abounds mightily in my weakness. All to conform me more into the image of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. In your previous name, amen.