Time, Heat, and Pressure

October 4, 2015/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that
your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

These are not comforting words when a friend is struggling, so don’t speak them. But it’s perfectly acceptable to pray that your friend finds strength and comfort by staying close to God during their trial and comes out stronger on the other side.

It’s OK to pray for yourself too.

The Bible provides many examples that we 21st century readers don’t fully grasp because our lives don’t involve shepherding, blacksmithing, and farming. So here’s a brief lesson. Metal is ‘tested’ or ‘purified’ by heating it to a liquid form. The imperfections rise to the top, are skimmed off, and discarded, resulting in a
purer, stronger piece of gold.

Our faith is strengthened through trials. The process is unpleasant. The heat can be painful. But we find that certain things or relationships aren’t authentic and shed them. We discover what’s truly important and lean in harder.

Not many find joy in suffering. Personally, I can’t imagine it. But I’m guessing that a person who has experienced God’s closeness through hardship comes to appreciate the deeper relationship with Him that results.

Has hardship made you stronger? Does the experience give you
perspective for the next time you face difficulty?

#SeedsOfScripture #stronger #closertoGod

2 Comments

CHERRILYNN BISBANO on October 5, 2015 at 10:51 AM

Yes, Yes, and yes. I lived in NH for 8 years. The entire time was a time of testing and hardship. I am much closer to my God for it. Many of my fears have turned into trust. My Abba showed Himself in ways that were miraculous.

Reply
- CathyChung on October 5, 2015 at 12:27 PM
  
  Me too. The times when I was lowest and had to lean on Him increased my faith.
  
  Reply

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Each post is a brief scriptural thought that will grow as you let it take root in your thoughts. If you have time, dig into one area of interest and plant a whole garden.

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Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.